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!