Although they may seem obvious, there are quite a number of ways in which you can help stop thieves from breaking into your van, some of these might sound really obvious, but it’s always a good idea to be cautious and vigilant and do what you can to deter anyone from committing a crime against yourself or your vehicle.

Always ensure your vehicle is locked

If you’re moving goods from the vehicle to into another location and your hands are maybe full of boxes, for example, it can be really easy to forget to lock your van doors. To save time loading/unloading you might even be tempted to leave the van unlocked – DON’T. A thief will see an unlocked vehicle as a perfect opportunity to steal any items possible as they’re walking past. When you leave your van unattended, lock it, then check it to make sure it’s locked properly. Also, it’s important to remember, if you have goods stolen from an unlocked vehicle, it’s highly unlikely that your insurance company will payout.

Livery/signwriting on vans

If you regularly carry expensive goods, tools or equipment in your van, having signwriting/livery on it to advertise your business may not be the best idea. It might be the case that it advertises your business to potential new customers, but it also gives thieves a very good idea of what they might find in your van if they break into it. Avoid having sign written vehicles if possible.

Empty your van of equipment/tools at night

Simple really, but when left overnight you should empty your van of any expensive equipment or tools in to your home or workplace. Stickers are available which you can apply to the vehicle that say there is nothing left in it overnight. This doesn’t guarantee your vehicle won’t get broken into but it may deter any thieves enough that they move on.

Park somewhere secure

To minimise the risk of your vehicle being stolen or broken into you should park your vehicle somewhere which is safe and secure. If possible, you should try not to leave your van parked up on the road in unlit areas overnight. It’s always a good idea to install CCTV on your home if you leave your van parked on the drive, it may help to deter thieves. Also, motion sensor security lights can be fitted to deter them too.

To stops easy access you should take extra precautions too if you can by backing your van right up to your house or close to the wall to protect the side & rear doors.

Don’t leave van keys in view

It’s important that your keys are left in a safe place at night, away from the door and out of sight. There are many reports of thieves breaking into people’s homes to steal the keys to vehicles to use them to gain access then drive off in them before anyone even notices.

Additional security measures

help prevent your vehicle from being broken into or stolen there are also additional measures that can be taken. Read more below:

• Fit the van with an immobiliser
• Slam locks and deadlocks can be fitted
• Fit a tracking device to locate a stolen vehicle
• Use a steering wheel lock

Call 0161 436 3296 for courier delivery costs or email enquiries@gregpaulsoncourier.co.uk