Vans are often more than just a mode of transport, they can be a mobile office, storage facility, and transportation vehicle all in one. Keeping your van safe is a top priority, so next time you lock your van, give yourself some peace of mind with our top tips.
‘Don’t leave tools and valuables in your van,’ for example, sounds like a no-brainer, right? We understand that things aren't always as simple as they sound, so we've compiled a list of helpful hints for keeping your vehicle safe and secure.
Location location location!
When you're dashing from job to job, you don't always have time to hand-pick the perfect parking spot. But don’t always settle for the first spot you see, especially if leaving your van overnight. It’s always a good idea to park up in a well-lit area (bonus points if it is surrounded by CCTV). You can also add an extra deterrent by reversing up against a building if it's sensible to do so your vehicle doors can’t physically open wide enough to get any items out.
Extra measures
Make it clear to potential burglars that no valuable items are left in the van overnight. Stickers can be found online with statements such as:
- No valuable items left inside this van overnight
- This vehicle is fitted with a GPS tracking device
- This vehicle is alarmed
- Dash cam is recording
- Cameras are fitted to this vehicle
The list is endless!
Not sure about how a dash cam could help you? Read our previous blog on the benefits of keeping a dash cam in your vehicle.
Get locked up
As if being filmed while trying to steal a vehicle wasn’t daunting enough, why not attach a wheel clamp, a door lock, or a hitch lock to prevent the possibility of being towed away.
We know that dragging every tool out of your van at night and then back in in the morning isn’t very time-efficient, so why not consider bolting a storage box to the floor of your vehicle? Add a padlock for that extra peace of mind.
Get tracking
Let’s say a burglar gets inside your van. They can’t get any of your prized possessions out because you’ve parked up against a brick wall. They then decide to move the vehicle BUT you have already installed a GPS tracking system to the van and now you’re monitoring their every move.
Another way to protect your items could be writing on them with a UV pen. The ink is invisible in normal daylight, but when hovered over with an ultraviolet light, it will shine bright blue. Using a UV pen on your items can help catch a thief red-handed! Well... in blue-handed.
Think before you park
So, don’t leave valuable items out on show, keep the doors locked and park somewhere well-lit. Make your van as secure as it can be to deter potential thieves.
For more ideas, have a look at our blog on how to keep your car secure too.
Let us know if you have any other top tips on how you keep your van safe!
