BFT Stoppy B 500 Review

At Bollard Security, we have, in stock, and experience with installing and maintaining, a huge selection of driveway bollards. We have driveway bollards that’ll raise and lower automatically, thanks to the magic of electricity. We even have simpler, cheaper, yet effective telescopic options, too. Or, for commercial clients, we’ve spent time around high-security, anti-ram bollards, as well. But, if you were to ask me, ‘What’s the best driveway bollard for securing my home and car’, my answer would probably be the BFT Stoppy B 500. There are plenty of positive review articles and comments about the BFT Stoppy B 500, and it’s not a huge surprise.

In our many years of installing and maintaining the BFT Stoppy B 500 for our customers throughout the UK, it stands out as the best driveway bollard for the money. Sure, it’s a more premium option compared to a lot of the telescopic or lift-out bollards in our catalogue, but if you’re looking for maximal protection, there are few equals. With that in mind, if you aim to best guarantee theft protection and deterrence for your car, or even to make sure unwanted guests don’t park on your driveway, BFT’s Stoppy B series is one of the better options out there. So, let’s take a closer look at why our clients like the BFT Stoppy B 500 so much.

An Unstoppable Force Meets An Immovable Object

One of the stand-out features of the BFT Stoppy B 500 is its electro-mechanical mechanism, which enables you to raise or lower it automatically, with the push of a button. Most of the cheaper, entry-level driveway bollards that we often deal with are manually operated. In other words, every single time you need to raise or lower the driveway bollard, you’ll have to bend down, turn a key, and then push them into the ground or pull them out to secure your driveway, by hand. Then, you’ll need to use that key once again to lock them in place.

To be clear, driveway bollards have come a long way. These days, most driveway bollards aren’t that tough or physically demanding to lower and raise by hand. Nonetheless, having to step outside and lean down to get to your driveway bollards will get rather tiring. And, once the heavens open and it’s raining cats and dogs, it’s especially annoying. This is particularly difficult for our customers with any physical ailments, not to mention the elderly. Even for young, fit folks, most of our clients require at least 2 to 3 or more bollards if they want to properly secure their entire driveway. So, imagine just how tedious and tiresome this will get over time.

The BFT Stoppy B 500 bypasses this hardship by including an electro-mechanical, automated system that’ll allow you to easily lower or raise your driveway bollards using a provided key fob. This transmitter remote takes just 7 seconds to raise or lower all your driveway bollards, all at once. That added ease and convenience, though it’ll cost you more upfront, might make up for its price tag over time. Plus, the transmitters in those included key fobs are quite secure, too. They use a rolling code system, which generates a new code every time you interact with the BFT Stoppy B 500, which is incredibly secure and it’s hard to crack the encryption.

As Secure And As Robust As Your Driveway Deserves

These rolling codes matter way more than it seems, they communicate between the key fob and transmitter, to the receiver and control unit in your home. A lot of simpler, cheaper driveway bollards use a singular security code for authentication. As you can imagine, a thief could more than readily crack this, even using a fairly basic scanning tool. But, the BFT Stoppy B 500 doesn’t suffer from these same flaws, courtesy of its electronic security measures. In addition to the impressive security credentials of the transmitter unit, the actual bollards themselves are built to take any punishment.

It should be worth noting that the BFT Stoppy B 500 is a residential-grade driveway bollard. As such, it doesn’t feature some of the heavy-duty selling points that make it more appealing for securing commercial or high-security property, for instance. Nevertheless, the BFT Stoppy B 500 is way tougher than it might appear on paper, and it’s robust enough to survive anything your home might need to endure. For our customers who worry about having their cars stolen and being driven off their driveway, the BFT Stoppy B 500 is more than adequate for your typical British residential neighbourhood.

The two specs that matter here are the ‘breaking force’, which is the amount of force you’d need to break the bollard. And, there’s the ‘impact resistance’, which describes how much force the bollards can take without causing any serious, terminal damage internally. The BFT Stoppy B 500 excels in both regards. With its high 60,000 joules ‘breaking force’, it’s more than enough to prevent a thief from ramming through them with a stolen car. Meanwhile, its 7,000 joules ‘impact resistance’ is still high enough that it could offer pretty good protection to the internal structure and that 230V electro-mechanical mechanism.

There Are Bigger, Stronger Options, Too

For most of our clients looking to buy and install a rock-solid, do-it-all automated driveway bollard, the BFT Stoppy B 500 remains our top choice. Still, if you need more, BFT’s Stoppy B series has bigger options. That ‘500’ in the name denotes its height at its peak when you’ve raised it fully – 500mm. As we mentioned earlier, this is more than sufficient for most residential applications. But, if you intend on installing the BFT Stoppy B 500 for your commercial property, or if you need to secure vehicles with a higher ground clearance, such as a lorry, it might be prudent to consider BFT’s other, taller driveway bollards.

The BFT Stoppy B 700 comes to mind, with its 700mm height. And while you’re there, make sure you take into account just how many bollards you’d need to properly secure your driveway. In addition, consider the many other variables to bear in mind, like the spacing between your driveway bollards, proper installation, and so on. It’s not enough to rely on the BFT Stoppy B 500 and its robust construction if it’s not installed or fitted properly. When done right, I reckon it’ll perform way better at securing your driveway and your cars when compared to a wall and gate. You can pull a gate down pretty easily, but you’d be hard-pressed trying to run down and ram into a driveway bollard, and get away with it!

The only thing about the BFT Stoppy B 500 is that you’d have to be wary of the installation process, which is a tad more complicated than manually operated telescopic driveway bollards. Since there’s an electrical element to it, additional work needs to be done around your home to wire up the BFT Stoppy B 500 to a power source. You’ll need 240V for a single BFT Stoppy B 500, and all those wires need to go through a controller and receiver, too. But, once everything is in place, expect nothing less of the BFT Stoppy B 500, one of the best driveway bollards you can get for the money, to help secure your car and driveway.

What Do Our Clients Have To Say About The BFT Stoppy B 500?

We’ve installed the BFT Stoppy B 500 umpteen different times for our clients, and it remains a hugely popular option among our vast catalogue of driveway bollards. We have made it a habit to speak to and catch up with our clients after the installation is done, making sure they’re happy and seeing what they think of the bollards and our work. One such happy customer is Paul Hadley from the motoring publication Motor Verso, and he’s been pretty happy with the BFT Stoppy B 500’s ease of use, intuitiveness, and the peace of mind it offers. As a motoring journalist, his driveway is home to a constant rotation of many project cars and loaner press cars, as well as his own vehicles.

For folks like Paul Hadley to trust us and the BFT Stoppy B 500 speaks volumes. And hey, if you’re to secure your driveway as well, with the BFT Stoppy B 500 or the many other driveway bollards we have in stock, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 01535 920362. We’re happy to provide any advice or recommendations, built on over 15 years of experience in installing and maintaining security solutions across the UK. At Bollard Security, we’ve worked with commercial, industrial, and residential clients, as we take pride in offering you only the best quality products and ensuring maximal peace of mind for our customers.

Why a Faraday cage is so useful in preventing keyless theft

In today’s modern world, technology has made our lives more convenient in many ways, but it has also introduced new challenges, particularly in the realm of vehicle security. One such challenge is keyless car theft, a method increasingly utilised by thieves to steal vehicles with minimal effort. Thankfully, it can be easily mitigated by a few simple measures, including Faraday cages. It’s also a good idea to look at a few more complementary (and equally effective) measures, such as bollards and driveway posts.

What is keyless car theft?

Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft, is a sophisticated method used by criminals to gain unauthorised access to vehicles equipped with keyless entry systems. These systems allow drivers to unlock and start their vehicles without physically using the key fob. Instead, the key fob emits a signal that is detected by the vehicle when it is within close proximity, typically a few metres. However, thieves have developed devices that can capture and amplify these signals, allowing them to unlock and start vehicles remotely, often in a matter of seconds, without the owner’s knowledge.

Why is it such a big risk?

Keyless car theft presents a significant risk to largely due to the its discretion, and the ease with which thieves can execute it. Unlike traditional car theft methods that may involve forced entry or hotwiring, keyless car theft can be carried out with minimal physical effort and leaves no visible signs of tampering. What’s more, the widespread availability of relay devices and the relatively simple techniques required to use them make this method appealing to opportunistic criminals.

As a result, keyless car theft has become increasingly prevalent, with reports of incidents rising across the UK and beyond. Somewhat notoriously, 2023 was the worst year on record for keyless thefts.

How Faraday cages prevent vehicle theft

Faraday cages are crucial in preventing keyless theft mainly because they block electromagnetic fields and signals. Keyless entry systems operate using radio frequency signals, which can be intercepted and exploited by thieves using relay devices. However, Faraday cages, made of conductive materials like metal mesh or carbon fibre, effectively block these signals, preventing them from reaching the key fob and thereby thwarting attempts at relay theft. By storing your key fob inside a Faraday cage when it’s not in use, you can ensure that it remains protected from unauthorised access and reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen.

3 other effective security measures

While keyless car theft poses a formidable challenge, you’re thankfully not short of security measures that you can use to protect their car. In addition to Faraday cages, which we will explore in more detail shortly, other effective security measures include the below.

Alarm systems

Alarm systems are designed to detect unauthorised access to vehicles and deter thieves with loud sirens and flashing lights. Modern alarm systems often include motion sensors, glass break detectors, and other features to enhance security.

Surveillance cameras

Installing surveillance cameras in parking areas provides an additional layer of security by capturing footage of any suspicious activity. Cameras act as a deterrent to potential thieves and provide valuable evidence in the event of a theft attempt.

Driveway bollards

Installing bollards around parking areas can create physical barriers to prevent unauthorised access to vehicles. These sturdy posts act as a deterrent to thieves and make it more difficult for them to steal cars, especially in high-traffic areas.

And if you’re looking for bollards and driveway posts to protect your property, that’s exactly where we can help here at Bollard Security. For over 15 years we’ve been installing and maintaining security solutions across the UK for domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors, and we take pride in providing quality products that give our customers peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 01535 920362 for advice and recommendations on the best driveway bollards or Telescopic Bollards for you!

What are Low Traffic Neighbourhoods?

Low Traffic Neighbourhood (or LTN) is a term that you may have heard with increasing frequency over the past few years, as more of them have been gradually implemented in more towns and cities across the UK. In many ways, the term is fairly self-explanatory – as you’ve probably surmised, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods are primarily distinguished by lower numbers of vehicles, including cars, vans, HGVs and motorcycles. That’s usually achieved through a variety of traffic calming measures, often including static or automatic bollards.

So then, what’s the central idea behind them?

What is a Low Traffic Neighbourhood?

A Low Traffic Neighbourhood is a residential area that’s been deliberately designed to reduce the flow of traffic through its boundaries, using traffic-calming measures such as modal filters and permanent bollards. The central idea behind LTNs is essentially to improve the quality of life for residents, primarily by making their streets generally safer, cleaner and greener.

Reducing the amount of traffic that flows through a neighbourhood improves air quality right off the bat, and also means that residents have more freedom to walk and cycle instead of driving – which is often cheaper, healthier, and less damaging for the environment. It’s worth noting that cycling can be particularly intimidating in heavy traffic, as you may well know if you’ve ever had to do it!

Partially for this reason, there are (perhaps unsurprisingly) plenty of LTNs implemented in various areas of London – including Camden, Ealing and Lambeth – as well as in other cities like Oxford, Edinburgh and Bristol. As an extra bonus, they can also help people to feel more connected to their neighbours, so it’s easy to see why they’re often successful in dense urban areas.

[H2] What traffic calming measures are involved?

Most Low Traffic Neighbourhoods incorporate a variety of traffic calming measures, all working in tandem to cut the rate of through-traffic. Here, we’ve listed just a few of the most effective:

• Modal filters. Sometimes known as point closures, a modal filter is a type of road design that restricts or prevents the passage of most vehicles. They often utilise bollards, boom barriers or planters to physically block the road.
• Speed reduction measures. These may include speed bumps (sometimes affectionately referred to as sleeping policemen), raised zebra crossings, and chicanes – all of which help manage the speed of the relatively few vehicles that are able to travel within the LTN’s boundaries
• Signage and road markings. Markings and signage are useful for improving visibility and awareness (for pedestrians and drivers alike), and as an extra bonus, some communities choose to decorate suitable signs with charming illustrations or plant life, adding extra character without detracting from their functional purpose.
• Road closures. Some streets in LTNs are closed to through-traffic entirely, thereby making them open to pedestrians and cyclists only.

So that’s all the basics on LTNs! And if you’re looking for the best way to control vehicle access in or around your own premises, you’re in exactly the right place. At Bollard Security, we offer a vast range of telescopic and automatic bollards, and our team of experts are readily available to assist you in selecting the ideal ones for your needs. Get in touch on 01756 636 196, and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you protect your business and investments even further!

Bollard Security named as a Double Feefo Gold Award Winner!

It’s been a busy year for us already here at Bollard Security! Following our recent selection by Parklio to be its new UK distributor, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve just become a Feefo Gold Award Winner for the second consecutive year here!

Feefo is a UK-based ratings and reviews platform that’s internationally recognised for the quality and trustworthiness of its reviews. In 2010, it established its Trusted Service Awards to, in its own words, “recognise brands that receive exceptional feedback from their customers.”

In fact, it seems fitting that we let Feefo introduce its Gold Award in its own words too – it’s “for those who create experiences that are simply magical. Gold Badge is awarded to clients with an average service rating of over 4.5 stars.”

We’re hugely proud to count ourselves as one of them here at Bollard Security, especially now having won it two consecutive years in a row! That makes it a significant chapter in our story as a company – and throughout all our years in business, our customers have been central to everything we do.

With a huge range of bollards in stock, today we supply nationwide to domestic homeowners, commercial business owners, and local authorities. Our lockable products all hold the Secure by Design accreditation, and we’re committed to providing a consistently outstanding level of service to match.

Feel free to read more about what our customers have to say about us on our own Feefo reviews page, or alternatively – if you’re looking for a sturdy set of bollards for your own premises – you can start looking immediately at our range of telescopic and automatic bollards. And of course, if you ever need any assistance or advice, get in touch on 01756 636 196. Our experts are always happy to help!

Do you need planning permission for bollards?

This is a question that our experts hear reasonably often here at Bollard Security, and understandably so! Planning permission is a crucial consideration even for relatively simple property additions like driveway bollards, because if a project is completed without planning permission and it later comes to light that said permission should have been sought, then it could result in orders to remove the structure or installation (in this case, the bollard or bollards). That’s time-consuming and expensive, not to mention a huge hassle.

Now, when it comes to whether or not your bollards require planning permission, it’s tricky to give a direct yes/no answer in an article like this, as the answer depends on your specific circumstances. What we can do, however, is give you a helpful general guide as to what’s likely to be necessary.

When you probably don’t need planning permission

 

When you are a homeowner looking to install residential bollards

In most cases, if you own your home then you’re unlikely to need planning permission for residential bollards. This is because bollards are generally considered ‘permitted development’, which means that you can install them without needing to seek approval from your local planning authority.

It’s worth noting that this only applies if you’re a freeholder – in other words, if you own the property and the plot of land that it’s built on. (Most homeowners are.)

If you are a leaseholder looking to install residential bollards

Leaseholders differ from freeholders in that if you’re a leaseholder, you own the property for a fixed period of time, but not the land it’s built on. (Leaseholders are sometimes called tenants.) That means if you want to get residential bollards for your own home, then you’ll need to get permission from your landlord, or property owner.

When planning permission may be necessary

 

If the bollards are going to be installed on (or near) public roads or land

If you’re planning to install bollards on an area of public land, or public right of way, then you’ll almost certainly need planning permission, because it’ll affect the public’s use of the road. In some cases, it may even give rise to otherwise unforeseen safety issues – which is why it needs serious inspection.

And it’s always best to check in advance, just in case! If you’re unsure about whether the land itself falls within your ownership, you can check your title plans, or search for land and property information on the government website.

If the bollards are going to be installed on (or near) common land

By the same token, if you’re planning to put bollards on common land – that is, a plot that’s owned by 2 or more people – then you’ll likely also need to seek the written consent of the person or entity you share it with. In these cases, it’s usually advisable to contact the Planning Inspectorate. You may find that some areas of common land are exempt from needing planning permission, but as ever, it’s worth taking the time to find out for certain – especially since different authorities can have varying rules.

Is there anything else I should be aware of with planning permission?

Yes. There are a couple of factors that it’s worth giving due consideration to before you proceed with the installation, even if you don’t think they apply to your specific situation. We’ve done a quick handy roundup!

• Location: Bollards placed within the confines of a property, such as a driveway or garden, typically require less planning permission compared to those positioned on public roads or pathways.
• Design: The appearance and design of the bollards play a significant role in determining whether planning permission is necessary. Bollards that harmonise with their surroundings or have minimal visual impact are less likely to encounter objections.
• Environmental impact: Planning authorities may evaluate how bollards could affect the local environment, including considerations for heritage sites, wildlife habitats, and protected species.
• Height and size: Bollards exceeding specific height or size limits may require planning permission, particularly if they could obstruct views or pose safety hazards.
• Land ownership and permissions: Installation of driveway bollards typically requires land ownership. As we’ve covered above, leaseholders or tenants may need permission from landlords, freeholders, or property management companies.
• Neighbouring access: It’s crucial to ensure that driveway bollards do not impede neighbouring landowners’ access to public roads. Blocking access could lead to legal conflicts and potential bollard removal.
• Local council regulations: Check with the local council for any restrictions or guidelines concerning driveway bollards. Some councils may have specific requirements regarding bollard size, design, or placement.

If you’re unsure, check with your local planning authority before doing anything, especially if they’re commercial bollards going on public land.

Once you’ve got the planning permission all sorted, and you’re on the lookout for a set of sturdy bollards, you’re in exactly the right place. For over 15 years, here at Bollard Security, we’ve been installing and maintaining security solutions across the UK for domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors, and we take pride in providing quality products that give our customers peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 01535 920362 for advice and recommendations on the best driveway bollards or Telescopic Bollards for you!

 

Bollard Security chosen by Parklio to be its new UK distributor

We’re pleased to announce our brand new partnership with Parklio, an internationally-renowned manufacturer of innovative parking solutions!

Widely recognised as one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies in the industry, Parklio has now chosen Bollard Security to be its trusted UK distributor, helping UK customers solve their parking challenges with its market-leading smart solutions – and all at the very best prices.

Parklio’s offering encompasses a variety of solutions, including automatic bollards and parking barriers, which are now joining our extensive range at Bollard Security. Their sophisticated features and sleek, aesthetically-pleasing appearance means they effortlessly complement our existing array of high-tech parking security products. What’s more, Parklio’s solutions are known across the continent for their quality, durability, and security, putting them neatly in tune with our own priorities at Bollard Security, and those of our customers. With more than 15 years of experience behind us, we’ve always made sure to bring our customers the very best when it comes to parking solutions, and Parklio’s products perfectly epitomise that commitment to quality.

That same breadth and depth of experience means that UK buyers can always rest assured that our team will be able to provide answers, advice, and any help they may need in choosing a solution for their specific application, whether that’s in a residential home, commercial building, or any other public space.

If you’re interested in procuring any of Parklio’s smart parking solutions for your own premises or event, don’t hesitate to give our team at Bollard Security a call on 01535 920362, and we’ll be happy to help!

Our top tips on the best practices to maximise your van security

According to data by the RAC, on average around 30 vans are stolen every day here in the UK. The theft of any car is a massive blow to the owner, who must then go through the arduous process of dealing with insurance, police, and ultimately, likely having to replace it. Van owners deal with all this plus often an extra layer of difficulties – many rely on their vans (and the tools in it) for their livelihood, which means that any thief takes away not just a van owner’s money, but also impacts their ability to earn it.

If you’re a van owners yourself, it’s never been more crucial to ensure you’ve taken steps to protect your vehicle – safeguarding your assets, your earnings, and your peace of mind. Here at Bollard Security, we have decades of experience in helping car and van owners keep their vehicles safe – so here are our top security recommendations for protecting your van.

Make sure to have quality locks, deadbolts, and alarms

High-quality locks and deadbolts are some of the very first lines of defence against van theft involves buying. For maximum security, it’s a good idea to go for robust locks that are specifically designed for vans, including both door locks and internal compartment locks. Deadbolts provide an additional layer of security, making it more difficult for someone to gain unauthorised access to your van.

Installing a reliable alarm system is another effective deterrent against van theft. Modern alarm systems come equipped with features such as motion sensors, remote monitoring, and sirens, which alert you and others nearby in the event of a break-in attempt. It’s a good idea to ensure that your alarm system is professionally installed and regularly maintained for optimal performance.

Park in well-lit areas

This is an especially important step, but it’s one that lots of van owners understandably overlook, particularly if they’re in a hurry, or don’t expect to be in a specific location for long. But make sure you don’t fall into the same trap!

When parking your van, it’s best to always choose well-lit areas with high foot traffic whenever possible. The vast majority of thieves are opportunists, and they’re far less likely to target vehicles parked in well-lit areas – mainly because of the increased risk of being caught.

Additionally, parking in areas with surveillance cameras can act as a deterrent and provide valuable evidence in the event of a theft or break-in. If you’re parking your van on your own premises, it’s a good idea to maximise security with a sturdy set of bollards – even a relatively simple driveway bollard can present a challenging obstacle.

Implement additional security measures

In addition to the aforementioned measures, there’s a range of several other security measures you can implement to further protect your van. Some of these include:

• Installing security grilles or screens on windows, which can help to prevent smash-and-grab thefts
• Etching your vehicle identification number (VIN) onto windows and other components, discouraging thieves by making them easier to track, and harder to sell undetected
• Using steering wheel locks and wheel clamps to immobilise your van and prevent unauthorised movement
• Investing in security film for windows to make them more resistant to breakage

Utilise vehicle tracking technology

This is really for the worst-case scenario, but it can really help give you valuable peace of mind. In short, in the unfortunate event that your van is stolen, having a vehicle tracking system can significantly increase the chances of recovery. GPS tracking devices enable you to monitor the location of your van in real-time, which can make it much easier for law enforcement to track and recover the vehicle quickly. For that reason alone, you might want to consider investing in a reputable vehicle tracking service to enhance the security of your van.

Regularly maintain your van

This is something you’ll likely be doing anyway, but lots of people tend to underestimate the very tangible security benefits it can have. In addition to ensuring the smooth functioning of all your van’s essential systems and components (like the engine, alternator and brakes), regular maintenance can also help to guarantee that all locks, alarm systems, and other security features are in perfect working order too – as well as providing you with plenty of time to identify any issues and address them promptly.

As part of your regular routine for your van as well, it’s worth removing any tools from it that you’re not actively planning on using for a specific job, and not leaving any tools in it overnight. That way, even if the van itself draws some unwanted attention, it still minimises the risk of impact on your ability to earn.

Those are just some of our top tips – you may well have one or two of your own! And if you are on the lookout for a set of sturdy bollards to secure your van at your home or workplace, you’re in exactly the right place. For over 15 years, we’ve been installing and maintaining security solutions across the UK for domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors, and we take pride in providing quality products that give our customers peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 01535 920362 for advice and recommendations on the best driveway bollards or Telescopic Bollards for you!

What you need to know about vehicle crime trends for 2024

The DVLA has recently released statistics for vehicle crime throughout 2023, and the picture they paint is quite interesting – and to be honest, a little worrying. Motor theft was up by around 5%, with a total of 64,087 cars being reported stolen to the DVLA throughout 2023. To put that into perspective, that’s roughly one every 8 minutes.

Understandably, that means a lot of drivers are taking another look at their vehicle security as we move even further into 2024. That’s exactly where we can help here at Bollard Security, with a huge range of driveway bollards, parking posts and more. Plus, we’ve got the inside scoop on a couple of particularly high-profile vehicle crime trends to keep an eye on this year.

Keyless theft on the rise

As a general rule, most modern cars have become a lot more difficult to steal over the last few decades, as more sophisticated security measures have now become standard additions (car alarms and immobilisers being amongst the two most very basic examples).

However, one technological innovation which definitely hasn’t been as objectively good for customers has been, of course, keyless entry technology. According to Aviva, keyless entry vehicles are twice as likely to be stolen, and in fact, during 2023, almost 70% of all vehicle recoveries were related to keyless theft.

Theft from vans on the rise

One of the most concerning trends to emerge from the latest statistics involves the clear rise in van theft. It’s a particularly prevalent problem in London at the moment, with areas like Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Camden amongst the worst crime hotspots for stolen vans. And while it’s true that vans are generally harder to break into than they used to be, research quoted by the RAC found that only 42% of vans are fitted with an alarm as standard.

Compounding the problem is the fact that the average van contains approximately £2,500 in tools, which means that thieves don’t necessarily have to be able to drive the van away to cause a potentially devastating loss – especially for a sole trader (as many van owners are). So while driveway bollards and parking posts can be useful in helping to protect the vans themselves from being driven away, it’s still worth bearing in mind that…

Theft from vehicles remains the biggest risk

Data from AA Insurance Services (published in May 2023) found that theft from vehicles rose by 9.9%, and that’s a trend that’s unfortunately remained prominent throughout the year. What’s more, a report from the Metropolitan Police found that tool theft from vehicles rose by 25% in 2022, and again that’s a trend that’s remained broadly steady.

They’re quite startling numbers that serve to underline the importance of securing not just your vehicle, but also everything in it. If you can, it’s a good idea to completely empty your car or van of any valuables, especially if you leave it overnight. Business owners may also find it beneficial to use stickers that tell onlookers that there are “no tools or equipment left in this vehicle overnight”. Whether or not that’s true… well, we’ll leave you to weigh up the risk!

As for us, we’ll stick to doing what we do best. For over 15 years, we’ve been installing and maintaining security solutions across the UK for domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors, and we take pride in providing quality products that give our customers peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 01535 509001 for advice and recommendations on the best Telescopic Bollards for your business premises!

 

Is your car one of the UK’s most stolen in 2023?

As you may have read in our previous post, the DVLA has recently released a sample of its latest data in relation to vehicle crime, in response to a Freedom of Information request. It shows that there were a total of 64,4087 vehicles reported stolen in 2023, which marks an almost 5% increase on the previous year. That works out to about 176 cars stolen every single day, or one car stolen roughly every eight minutes from somewhere in the United Kingdom.

Here at Bollard Security, we’re passionate about doing everything we can to help prevent you from experiencing that nightmare scenario, which is why we offer an extensive range of driveway bollards and parking posts, to help protect your car. The data shows that some cars are statistically more likely to be targeted than others – so is your car amongst the UK’s most stolen in 2023? Here are the top 3 positions!

Ford Fiesta – 5979 stolen in 2023

The Fiesta is a party on four wheels. It has a long history as the best selling car in the UK, and today there are millions on the roads. Unfortunately, that also means there’s no shortage of options for prospective thieves to choose from – and when your Fiesta gets stolen, that’s when the party’s over. By some estimates, the Ford Fiesta is estimated to be involved in as much as 12% of all car thefts. 

What’s more, it’s likely to retain its unenviable position on lists like this one for some time yet, as the model has recently been discontinued. Its well-established popularity, combined with the inevitable demand for spares, means that it’ll probably remain a target for prospective thieves for some years yet.  

Ford Focus – 2220 stolen in 2023

Like the Fiesta, the Ford Focus is perennially popular with British buyers, and it’s no wonder why. It’s comfortable, affordable, economical to run, and highly versatile. That makes it an attractive choice for experienced and novice drivers alike. Again, there’s well over a million of them on the roads. 

Those same qualities make them particularly easy for traders to sell – including, unfortunately, those without a huge interest in the provenance of their vehicles. (In other words, the dealers that car thieves sometimes sell to.) For that reason alone, even if you have a relatively old Ford Fiesta, it’s still worth investing in and installing driveway bollards and parking posts. 

Land Rover Discovery – 1880 stolen in 2023

To be completely transparent, there’s still some controversy surrounding the status of Land Rover as one of the UK’s most stolen cars. In fact, the chief executive of the manufacturer, Jaguar Land Rover, was so irritated by the suggestions that he went on record specifically denying that it was the UK’s most stolen car, and that the reporting around it did not take into account the full context of the data. (And in fairness, that’s the tricky thing about data – it’s easy to draw multiple different conclusions from the same set of numbers.) 

However, regardless of the semantics around the ‘most stolen’ title, there’s no question that Land Rovers are indeed frequently targeted, to the point where some owners in London struggling to get affordable insurance. 

If you’re looking to protect your own vehicle, you’re in exactly the right place – at Bollard Security, that’s what we do best. We’ve got an excellent range of them to choose from, including the D4 Telescopic Bollard, constructed from robust galvanised steel. And of course, if you’re looking for something a little different to suit your requirements – or if you have any questions or need any advice – don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

For over 15 years, we’ve been installing and maintaining security solutions across the UK for domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors, and we take pride in providing quality products that give our customers peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 01535 509001 for advice and recommendations on the best Telescopic Bollards for your business premises!

5 things every van owner should know about theft risks

Vans are often regarded as lucrative targets, mainly due to their valuable cargo and the potential for quick resale of stolen goods. So if you’re a van owner, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential theft risks associated with your vehicle – especially if you’re a sole trader or small business relying heavily on your van.

Vehicle security is our business here at Bollard Security, and we supply a great range of driveway bollards to choose from. So, if you’re concerned about the potential risks to your van, here are five top things to bear in mind!

Hotspots and vulnerable areas

Van thefts are more likely to occur in specific locations known as hotspots. Urban areas, industrial zones, and commercial districts are often prime targets for thieves looking to steal vans or their contents. Often, areas with particularly high rates of break-ins will be signposted by the community. To a certain degree though, you can also exercise common sense – ideally you’ll want to leave your van in a well-lit area that sees a decent amount of public traffic, both of which can easily deter would-be thieves.

Security measures matter

Implementing robust security measures is one of the most effective ways to deter thieves. Sturdy locks, sensitive alarms, and decent immobilisers can all help to make your van a less appealing target. Visible security devices act as a deterrent, signalling to potential thieves that your vehicle is well-protected.

If you’re concerned about security on your own premises, that’s where our bollards come in. Our high-security insurance-approved bollards are always useful for providing maximum peace of mind. Additionally, you may want to consider installing tracking devices that can help law enforcement locate your van in the event of theft, increasing the chances of recovery.

Cargo security

The contents of a van are often as valuable (if not more so) than the vehicle itself. Internal racking systems, security cages, and lockable toolboxes can all be useful in preventing unauthorised access to the cargo area. Additionally, using curtains or tinted windows can obscure the view into the van, reducing the temptation for opportunistic thieves.

Data and technology

Modern vans often come equipped with advanced security features, such as keyless entry systems and electronic immobilisers. While these technologies enhance security, they can also be vulnerable to hacking or signal interception. For that reason alone, it’s worth making sure that you’re aware of the potential risks associated with these technologies and take steps to secure them. Regularly update software and firmware to patch any vulnerabilities, and consider using additional security measures, such as signal-blocking pouches for key fobs, to prevent electronic theft. Keyless unlocking has been shown to have particular vulnerabilities.

Insurance considerations

Adequate insurance coverage is crucial to mitigate the financial impact of theft. Before selecting an insurance policy, it’s a good idea to take some extra time to carefully review the coverage options, and ensure that you fully understand all the related terms and conditions. Some policies may require specific security measures to be in place for coverage to apply. And of course, don’t forget to regularly update your insurance provider on any modifications or improvements made to enhance security, as this may lead to reduced premiums.

These are just some of the most universal tips to keep your van safe – ultimately, it’s all about instincts as well, so if you feel like you need to take a particular action to secure your vehicle, it’s well worth doing so.

And of course, we can help with one particular aspect of that here at Bollard Security. For over 15 years, we’ve been installing and maintaining security solutions across the UK for domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors, and we take pride in providing quality products that give our customers peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 01535 509001 for advice and recommendations on the best Telescopic Bollards for your business premises!