Van Lock

[CaptB]

Just want to pick some peoples brains to find out what the best recommendation for van security locks would be.

Quite simpy the company I contract to have had just in my office 7 vans drilled and tools stolen, literally ££££`s of pounds of tradesmens tools have gone. Company isn`t to fussed due to the tools "not being insured" by the company and the vehicles are leased so they dont pick the tab up on the damage either.

But i`m trying to push for secure locking for the vans, but getting the best on the market would be ideal. But where do you start..

[greyman]

When I read your title, I thought you meant "van locks" as in vanmatic locks - a tubular lock that you can recombinate with a set of different keys.

In terms of locks for vans, I've seen lots of "van locks" on ebay - the sort that have a big round metal body that slots onto a stem. Once locked, you can't access the locking bolt to drill it, etc. Sorry if this is the wrong kind of thing since I've never really looked at one of these. Otherwise a decent quality staple and hasp and a big fat padlock ought to do the trick.

[CaptB]

thanks for your help mate.. Ive looked at the krytonite lock.. anyone got one or recommend one??

The locks are for a large fleet.. upwards of 100 vehicles.

[Shrub]

The way i got around it was to remove the locks alltogether and put stainmless machined blanks in there instead, then fitted central locking.

If theres no lock there (i also removed all linkages and put the solernoid straight to the lock) they cant break it.

[Wolfman]

post a heavily armed ex-green beret in each van (with a/c of course)...

Wouldent wanna open that van!


But on a serious note...
Educate your drivers about safety. Park in well lit areas, make it look hard to steal the stuff, anything like that.

[CaptB]

Good idea with the lock removal. I think i`ll do that with my own van.
But no good for the fleet vehicles.. because spare keys are kept but not central locking fobs. Don`t know why but just the way the company operates.

[p1ckf1sh]

Well, can't they just fit the vans with lockable container boxes that hold the tools. That is a meager solution, because a thief will still break open the car lock, but when he notices he has to flex through a solid box or break open a few really good padlocks to get the goodies he might think twice. I think the main motto of these people is quick in, grab it all, run. If he has to fuss about when inside the van, make more noice, etc. it might be some protection.

Maybe you could get custom-made storage boxes and equip them with a lock that is uncommon and hard to drill/snap (safe combo lock)?

Not quite cheap, actually.

[Rockford]

The way i got around it was to remove the locks alltogether and put stainmless machined blanks in there instead, then fitted central locking.

If theres no lock there (i also removed all linkages and put the solernoid straight to the lock) they cant break it.

Neat idea Shrub - though :
1. what if the electrics fail?
2. It leaves the van open to a probe assault.
3. When you're in the van, all the doors are open - unless the cargo doors are on a seperate "zone".

It was for reason 3 that I disabled the central locking on my van, as I didn't want all the doors open while I was driving around. I now have to physically unlock/lock a door using the keys. I've minimised the possibility of a drill attack by fitting Armaplate to all doors.

[toomush2drink]

Down here in london ive seen kids run up to cars stuck in trafic and open the boot etc and take what they can.Most times its a laptop and some poor guy in a suit is left wondering what to do as hes stuck in traffic.No way im driving around with my doors unlocked to the back.

[Shrub]

If the electrics fail i can open the van,

A probe assault would be very hard as the system is run from a separate loom and that loom has been threaded through stainless tubeing,

The back and side doors are on a separate system and the front doors are locked whilst driving as well as a anti hijack measure,

Nothings safe however, i do have a steel bulk head but theres nothing stopping someone smashing the window and hot wireing it, the steering lock is armoured with a add on chunky steel surround but wheres theres a will and all that, they would just steal the van and then cut the side off with a stone saw unless they decide to ram it sideways into a bridge to rip the side off.

Its a special edition 4x4 van so it cant be towed away and its a bright blue and all sign written up so driving it away should be noticed but again who bothers now a days.

Youll never protect a vehicle against a meditated attack but as for happy go lucky thieves the fact of no locks makes them move on to another vehicle as said there after a quick in and out.

[Rockford]

Well thought out Shrub - just don't lose your keys

[Shrub]

There is that issue but ive purposly left a vehicle tool at home for such an event and as im never too far from home i could always get it.

Lets be honest though if they want it they will get it, it means my van will be wrecked while they get it as well, at least with locks on you just need to replace them and perhaps touch up some body work, the way mine is it will be a toal loss so its swings and roundabouts.

I dont even have my tools insured

[Rockford]

I agree, if someone wants in - they will get in. The nice big locks/armaplate/alarms etc will only deter an opportunist and create an obstacle for the determined. Thats why my van is parked within sight on jobs where possible (if not possible, and on a dodgy estate - then I'd rather sacrifice the job than my van), and any tools of value are removed at night. I'm not too bothered if the stock is taken, as the tools will allow me to continue trading and I can use the local DIY sheds for stock until I replenish it.

[toomush2drink]

Atr one point i actually thought about installing collapsible grilles like the one i install in the back.Imagine a thief gets all the way through the door locks to be confronted by a security grille as well.It was only the weight issue that prevented me carrying it out. You can never spend enough securing your own property, my shed has a security grille, that cost more than the shed itself, protecting it along with 4 locks. First thing i always do with a van is secure it up before anything goes in it.

[Shrub]

Yes i was going to do the same, i made a cage that welded in to the back of the van, if the doors were opened or the roof peeled back they would still have a steel cage to get through but like you said the weight was silly, it got cut up for grills in the end.