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Car finance ›
Van security ideas: keeping your vehicle and its contents safe
Amelia Scholey, Brand and Creative Manager, Thursday, 21 May 2020
Updated: Tuesday, 9 May 2023
Updated: Tuesday, 9 May 2023
Whether you use a van for work, commuting, or leisure, ensuring its safety and security is crucial to prevent theft. While vans have built-in safety features, there are steps you can take to deter thieves and protect both your van and its contents.
Here, we explore proactive steps that can help prevent theft and discourage potential thieves from attempting to break into your van.
How much of a problem is van theft?
According to Uswitch, 12,950 vans were reported stolen in the UK in 2023. This was 18% more than in 2022 and over double the number of car thefts. The statistics highlight the need for van owners to be vigilant and take proactive steps to deter thieves.
Why are vans targeted by thieves?
Vans are popular targets for thieves because of the valuable tools and goods they may contain. Sometimes, they are parked outside building sites or left overnight with tools for the next day. This makes them prone to theft.
10 things that could improve your van's security
With theft being a national problem, and Mercedes vans and Ford vans being the most common targets (according to Go.Compare), you might be wondering how you can reduce the risk of theft. Here are 10 things you can do that could help improve your van’s security.
Whether you use a van for work, commuting, or leisure, ensuring its safety and security is crucial to prevent theft. While vans have built-in safety features, there are steps you can take to deter thieves and protect both your van and its contents.
Here, we explore proactive steps that can help prevent theft and discourage potential thieves from attempting to break into your van.
How much of a problem is van theft?
According to Uswitch, 12,950 vans were reported stolen in the UK in 2023. This was 18% more than in 2022 and over double the number of car thefts. The statistics highlight the need for van owners to be vigilant and take proactive steps to deter thieves.
Why are vans targeted by thieves?
Vans are popular targets for thieves because of the valuable tools and goods they may contain. Sometimes, they are parked outside building sites or left overnight with tools for the next day. This makes them prone to theft.
10 things that could improve your van's security
With theft being a national problem, and Mercedes vans and Ford vans being the most common targets (according to Go.Compare), you might be wondering how you can reduce the risk of theft. Here are 10 things you can do that could help improve your van’s security.
Parking with CCTV coverage
Having a security camera watching your van when it’s parked at home has 2 advantages. Firstly, if it’s visible, it might help deter thieves. Make sure it’s out of reach, though, as thieves might try to remove and disable the camera otherwise.
Secondly, if the worst did happen, you’ll have video footage that you can give to the police and your insurance company.
You could also set up a dashcam in your van. Not only does this help you in the event of any accidents on the road, but many dashcams can be set to record when they detect nearby movement. This can deter people from tampering with your van when it is parked or left overnight.
Having a security camera watching your van when it’s parked at home has 2 advantages. Firstly, if it’s visible, it might help deter thieves. Make sure it’s out of reach, though, as thieves might try to remove and disable the camera otherwise.
Secondly, if the worst did happen, you’ll have video footage that you can give to the police and your insurance company.
You could also set up a dashcam in your van. Not only does this help you in the event of any accidents on the road, but many dashcams can be set to record when they detect nearby movement. This can deter people from tampering with your van when it is parked or left overnight.
Parking in well-lit areas
Parking in well-lit areas
Leaving your van overnight can be a worry, especially if you park it on the road. If you can’t park in a secure place, try to park in a well-lit area. Parking under street lights makes it easier to spot anyone snooping around your van.
According to Compare the Market, most vehicle-related thefts take place in the dark. So, by parking somewhere secure or well-lit, you can also help reduce the cost of van insurance.
Leaving your van overnight can be a worry, especially if you park it on the road. If you can’t park in a secure place, try to park in a well-lit area. Parking under street lights makes it easier to spot anyone snooping around your van.
According to Compare the Market, most vehicle-related thefts take place in the dark. So, by parking somewhere secure or well-lit, you can also help reduce the cost of van insurance.
Adding stickers and logos
Adding stickers and logos
Stickers that clearly state your van is alarmed and has no tools left inside overnight might make it less attractive to thieves.
Branded stickers, like company logos and contact information, make your van easier to identify if stolen, which can also deter thieves.
Stickers that clearly state your van is alarmed and has no tools left inside overnight might make it less attractive to thieves.
Branded stickers, like company logos and contact information, make your van easier to identify if stolen, which can also deter thieves.
Using secure storage boxes
Using secure storage boxes
It’s best to completely remove any tools or other valuables from your van if you’re leaving it parked or overnight. However, if that isn’t possible, or some things must be left in your van, then you might consider a van storage box.
These are metal boxes in which you can safely store items. Some are designed to be fixed to the side or rear of your van, and feature thick metal frames and locks.
It’s best to completely remove any tools or other valuables from your van if you’re leaving it parked or overnight. However, if that isn’t possible, or some things must be left in your van, then you might consider a van storage box.
These are metal boxes in which you can safely store items. Some are designed to be fixed to the side or rear of your van, and feature thick metal frames and locks.
Fitting an alarm system
Fitting an alarm system
Most vans come with an alarm fitted from the factory, which you can read about in your van’s owner’s manual. You might choose to fit additional van alarm systems. Some can even be linked to your phone, meaning you can be instantly notified if someone is tampering with your van.
If you want a new van alarm system, make sure it’s Thatcham-approved and installed by a trusted provider.
Most vans come with an alarm fitted from the factory, which you can read about in your van’s owner’s manual. You might choose to fit additional van alarm systems. Some can even be linked to your phone, meaning you can be instantly notified if someone is tampering with your van.
If you want a new van alarm system, make sure it’s Thatcham-approved and installed by a trusted provider.
Installing an immobiliser
Installing an immobiliser
Some cunning thieves know how to find and disable factory-fitted immobilisers. The Met Police recommend installing an aftermarket immobiliser approved by the van manufacturer.
Having an immobiliser fitted could also reduce your van insurance cost.
Some cunning thieves know how to find and disable factory-fitted immobilisers. The Met Police recommend installing an aftermarket immobiliser approved by the van manufacturer.
Having an immobiliser fitted could also reduce your van insurance cost.
Using a steering wheel lock
Using a steering wheel lock
By using a steering wheel lock, you make your van harder to steal, and it acts as a visual deterrent to thieves.
Although it might take a minute or two to set up and remove each time, it helps to keep your van secure. It reduces the risk of all types of theft, including keyless theft. Even if the thieves gain access to your van, it makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to steer the van and drive it away.
By using a steering wheel lock, you make your van harder to steal, and it acts as a visual deterrent to thieves.
Although it might take a minute or two to set up and remove each time, it helps to keep your van secure. It reduces the risk of all types of theft, including keyless theft. Even if the thieves gain access to your van, it makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to steer the van and drive it away.
Fitting a GPS tracking device
Fitting a GPS tracking device
A GPS tracking device may not prevent your van from being stolen, but it can assist the police in locating it if it is.
There are many van trackers available, but there are 2 key things to remember if you choose to get one. Firstly, ensure it’s from a trusted supplier. Secondly, hide it well within the van so it’s not easily found and disabled.
A GPS tracking device may not prevent your van from being stolen, but it can assist the police in locating it if it is.
There are many van trackers available, but there are 2 key things to remember if you choose to get one. Firstly, ensure it’s from a trusted supplier. Secondly, hide it well within the van so it’s not easily found and disabled.
Removing tools overnight
Removing tools overnight
If your van has been broken into, it’s probably because someone wanted the tools inside it. Direct Line reports that in 2023, 55% of all tool thefts were from vans.
To prevent theft, remove your tools from the van overnight and use a sticker that says ‘no tools left in this van overnight’. This could deter thieves looking to steal tools.
If your van has been broken into, it’s probably because someone wanted the tools inside it. Direct Line reports that in 2023, 55% of all tool thefts were from vans.
To prevent theft, remove your tools from the van overnight and use a sticker that says ‘no tools left in this van overnight’. This could deter thieves looking to steal tools.
Upgrading the door locks
Upgrading the door locks
Leaving your van unlocked can be easy, especially if you’re quickly going back and forth to transport things. However, this can increase the risk of thieves taking advantage at those times when you least expect it. One way to reduce this risk is by purchasing new door locks.
Slamlocks automatically lock when the van doors shut. They can be useful if you’re a courier or work in a job that requires frequent trips to and from your van. Deadlocks are tough to force open but need to be manually locked. This makes them potentially more useful for tradespeople who leave their van unattended for longer periods.
How to deter thieves from stealing your van's catalytic converter
Leaving your van unlocked can be easy, especially if you’re quickly going back and forth to transport things. However, this can increase the risk of thieves taking advantage at those times when you least expect it. One way to reduce this risk is by purchasing new door locks.
Slamlocks automatically lock when the van doors shut. They can be useful if you’re a courier or work in a job that requires frequent trips to and from your van. Deadlocks are tough to force open but need to be manually locked. This makes them potentially more useful for tradespeople who leave their van unattended for longer periods.
How to deter thieves from stealing your van's catalytic converter
A catalytic converter is an important part of a van that reduces harmful emissions.
Thieves often target catalytic converters because they contain valuable metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, and can be removed quickly.
To protect your van, you can install a catalytic converter lock. These are metal locks that fit around your catalytic converter, making it much harder to steal.
Also, consider where you park your van. Parking with one side on a kerb and the other on the road can make it easier for thieves to access underneath your van.
Instead, park in a well-lit area, preferably a secure car park or somewhere with CCTV coverage.
A catalytic converter is an important part of a van that reduces harmful emissions.
Thieves often target catalytic converters because they contain valuable metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, and can be removed quickly.
To protect your van, you can install a catalytic converter lock. These are metal locks that fit around your catalytic converter, making it much harder to steal.
Also, consider where you park your van. Parking with one side on a kerb and the other on the road can make it easier for thieves to access underneath your van.
Instead, park in a well-lit area, preferably a secure car park or somewhere with CCTV coverage.
Ways to keep your van's tools and equipment safe
If you’re a tradesperson or use your van to carry tools and equipment between jobs, there are some extra steps you can take to lower the risk of van theft.
Ways to keep your van's tools and equipment safe
If you’re a tradesperson or use your van to carry tools and equipment between jobs, there are some extra steps you can take to lower the risk of van theft.
Remove valuable items overnight
Take your tools out of your van and put them in a safer place, such as your home, to keep them secure when you’re away from your van.
Keep an inventory list
Having a list of what’s in your van helps you check if anything’s gone missing. It’s also a handy way to ensure you have everything ready for the day ahead.
Mark your tools with a UV pen
If your tools are stolen, marking them with a UV pen will help the police identify that they are yours. This can make recovery much less stressful.
Choose the right insurance policy
When you’re getting insurance, check what cover it provides for theft or damage. All insurance policies are different so make sure you’re covered.
Remove valuable items overnight
Take your tools out of your van and put them in a safer place, such as your home, to keep them secure when you’re away from your van.
Keep an inventory list
Having a list of what’s in your van helps you check if anything’s gone missing. It’s also a handy way to ensure you have everything ready for the day ahead.
Mark your tools with a UV pen
If your tools are stolen, marking them with a UV pen will help the police identify that they are yours. This can make recovery much less stressful.
Choose the right insurance policy
When you’re getting insurance, check what cover it provides for theft or damage. All insurance policies are different so make sure you’re covered.
Finance your next van with Moneybarn
Finance your next van with Moneybarn
If you’re looking to buy a van or want to upgrade to something with the latest security features, we can help.
We specialise in van finance for people with bad credit, so we can help even if other lenders have turned you down.
Our friendly experts are here to help you find your ideal van. From helping you browse vans at our approved dealers to finding the right finance agreement for you, let us guide you to a better road ahead.
Whether you already have a van in mind or are just starting your search, we’re here to help you buy a safer van.
Use our van finance calculator to estimate your monthly payments. Or, if you’re ready, get a quote in less than 5 minutes.
Representative 30.7% APR.
How our van finance works
If you’re looking to buy a van or want to upgrade to something with the latest security features, we can help.
We specialise in van finance for people with bad credit, so we can help even if other lenders have turned you down.
How our van finance works
Our friendly experts are here to help you find your ideal van. From helping you browse vans at our approved dealers to finding the right finance agreement for you, let us guide you to a better road ahead.
Whether you already have a van in mind or are just starting your search, we’re here to help you buy a safer van.
Use our van finance calculator to estimate your monthly payments. Or, if you’re ready, get a quote in less than 5 minutes.
Representative 30.7% APR.
For a better road ahead
Moneybarn is a member of the Finance and Leasing Association, the official trade organisation of the motor finance industry. The FLA promotes best practice in the motor finance industry for lending and leasing to consumers and businesses.
Moneybarn is the trading style of Moneybarn No. 1 Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 04496573, and Moneybarn Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 02766324. The registered address for these companies is: Athena House, Bedford Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3LJ.
Moneybarn’s VAT registration number is 180 5559 52.
Moneybarn Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702781)
Moneybarn No. 1 Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702780)
