What Vans

[EvoRed]

Initial van size is a nightmare to choose. I've got a small van, racked out as per ex-BG but I'm now finding space a bit stretched with all the stock and equipment.

Just about to fit a key cutting machine, and with the blank boards, space really is becoming an issue now. Thing is though, any bigger and it wouldn't fit in the garage which is quite high up on my list of priorities.

The foldable ladder just has to be ditched when the machine is fitted, there just isn't the room. I like to keep everything in the van for every eventuality but it's hard with a small van as you build up your stock and equipment.

My advise is to not get a small van unless you want to keep it in the garage and only a small one will fit. If you like to keep a healthy supply of stock and equipment and you're OK with leaving it on the drive then get a bigger one as you will probably only end up getting one a year or two down the line anyway.

[toomush2drink]

Im using bulldog locks on mine. Ok they are tubular but 10 pin so most picks available dont work but there is always the cardboard theory. Why i like them is they are so visible and you know they are locked instantly providing great visual deterrent and also they push to lock which means you willl always use them as they are convenient. You can get the nice and discreet euro deadlocks but they are not as easy to use out on the job and after speaking to a few friends who have these fitted they admit they dont use them all the time.Its these other times when your up a tower block working that the van will get broken into.The bulldog locks would take some cutting to get through but you could make them even stronger by putting a piece of steel rod inside the bar if you wanted it even stronger. My only minor gripe about these is that the powder coating is starting to peel off in places making them go a little rusty but when its gets too bad i will paint them with hammerite.
http://www.bulldogsecure.com/bulldog.shopfront/category/62/uSID095326-048-787

Other good locks are the limpets but they are hard to get hold of now due to the supplier being bought out.Armaplatres are good for the locks but wont stop the van getting the doors forced open or wiring loom attacks. Fit a good alarm also, mine went off when a clamper put a clamp on the wheel, now that i call good.

[Rockford]

I've fitted armaplate to each of the locks on my Vito, and have the central locking disabled so I know the doors are locked while I'm driving. I'm now looking to fit some extra locks as the tools/stock I'm carrying is increasing. I'll watch this thread with interest to see what people are using.

[EvoRed]

I've got a Limpet MK3 on the back door, and additional tubular deadlocks on the side and front doors. The only warning for the Limpet is to have truly straight back doors where they meet. If they are arched at all like a lot of vehicles these days then they can be not as effective and a bit of a pain to fit.

My central locking is also disabled, but that's just another problem with the van!

[SteveW]

Whatever sercurity measures you fit to your van, a determined theif will get in eventually, its just a matter of time and huge powertools !

Armaplate do produce a loomguard for the new Transits (post 2000 models), and the Compact, so thats a good investment, but a good alarm and highly vissable locks are still the best deterants.

[FIDO]

al this talk about what locks and security that should be bought for the van and tools, surely you cant get more secure than an ex securricor van or police vehicle...

good idea?

Bryan

[Covlocks]

Good idea - except half the areas that you need to go to wont accept the height of the normal security vans. Police vans no - they are pretty much bog standard - just stops the "guests" inside getting out.

I am a vehicle lock specialist and use a Renault Traffic. I have a Limpet on the backdoors, Safeways Radial Locks on the Front and Side Door and a Smoke Generator in the front and the back. Central Locking is still active but loom guards are in place and the only way in is through the side of the van. There again its panelled inside with carpet covered alluminum liner. Front glass is security filmed.

If the alarm goes off when I am working a short distance from my vehicle I am instantly paged, howver I do not go on calls where I can not park my vehicle close to my work. If I do have to work in areas where I may not have immediate access back to my van my dog ensures everything remains as I left it.

Its parked under a light in my front garden, with cameras on and PIR's that alert me if anyone gets any closer than 10 feet.

The only way that is going to get broken into is with the keys or with lot of noise and time. If someone does manage to get inside, see through the fog and then be able to breathe, they then have to overcome 3 immobiliser systems in order to start it.

Total cost of the security - about £500.

[Rockford]

Like the idea of the smoke generator - I assume this is linked into the alarm and not manually tripped. Are these standard "add-ons" ?.

[Covlocks]

Can be linked to the alarm, activated remotely, time delay as you think, smoke canister can contain a variety of deterents.

[FIDO]

nice one, i like the idea of the smoke detector, but what if one day the dogs fed up with you, and decides to take the van for a spin???????????????????????????????????????????????

[Covlocks]

Smoke generator - not detector. Arm and disarm as you need it.

dog cant drive - he's not old enough -

[FIDO]

lol,,,, was it expensive, and do you need any certificate of safety or ownership for the generator?

Bryan

[Covlocks]

... does your mum know you are out at this time of night ????