Van Theft & Crime

Having your van or work vehicle stolen, broken into and contents stolen can be very distressing. Below we have listed a few simple steps you can take to keep your van, and what’s in it, safe. By layering security with SBD approved products you help prevent theft and vehicle crime

Don’t Leave Valuables on Show It might sound obvious but leaving items on show is an invitation to the opportunist criminal - mobile phones, satnavs and mounts, power leads, money, wallets, handbags, sunglasses, coats, jackets and bags should always be removed from the van or hidden well out of sight

Hide Keys & Fobs Keys and ignition fobs should be kept safe and out of sight and reach. A common way to steal a van is to take the keys or ignition fob, so never leave them in the vehicle, even if it is unattended for a moment. When at home ensure that your keys or ignition fob are kept well away from windows or doors so that they cannot be seen by a potential thief, and never leave them close to the front door where they can be accessed through letterboxes

Lock Doors & Close Windows! Always lock and close the windows of your vehicle when unattended, be this on the drive, the petrol station forecourt, when de-icing your vehicle in the winter or when getting a ticket to park. An unlocked vehicle is the easiest to steal or steal from If your vehicle is not fitted with a manufacturers’ fitted alarm and/or immobiliser, consider installing an approved system. Most new vehicles come with one fitted, you can find out more from the Thatcham Research Centre. The Thatcham Research Consumer Security Rating assesses a new vehicle’s all-round security

Install a Tracker Tracker systems can increase the recovery of your van if it is stolen. Many systems activate once the van is stolen and track the car via GPS and other systems. SBD have several members which specialise in this area and can advise on the best system and fitting of the product for your vehicle type

Use Physical Security Fit theft-resistant number plate fittings. Stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one-way clutch head screws to secure number plates Physical security products such as a steering wheel lock or a lock that fits over the gear lever still act as a good deterrent. Alternatively, a security box can be fitted over the pedals to prevent thefts when the vehicle is parked up Where possible, keep your van in a garage. Parking your vehicle out of view is one of the best ways to prevent opportunist theft.

Fit a Garage Alarm If you have a house alarm system, consider connecting it to the garage. Another option is to park your van on a drive. If your drive has gates, consider closing them at night or when you are not using your vehicle

Install CCTV CCTV can be a deterrent and help protect both your van, its contents and your premises. If you do decide to use CCTV it is important to read the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) advice on Domestic CCTV systems

For further advice about any of the security tips listed above, or to find out how to buy police recognised security products, visit www.securedbydesign.com