Most mobile professionals i.e Plumbers, Joiners and Electricians, usually carry and store all their tools in vans. This makes them an Aladdins cave and a easy target for thieves.
In fact, the first CCTV images posted on our Crimes In Bramley Facebook group was of an attempted theft of a Ford Transit van, you can read “Our Story” here.
In this Blog, we will explore some of the key facts behind how the thefts take place and basic prevention van owners can take to avoid been an easy target.
Please leave a comment at the bottom of the page after you have read the blog!
We can narrow the potential thefts down to two different types.
- Theft of tools and valuables – leave the van behind.
- Complete theft of the van and contents.
Theft of Tools and Valuables
This theft, is achieved by the thieves “popping or turning” the drivers door lock which intern unlocks all the doors through the central door locking system and the alarm will also be deactivated. Unfortunately, it takes just seconds for an experienced thief to gain entry!
The technique is easy to learn and takes low skill to master, which makes this type of vehicle theft extremely common.
This method gives the thieves access to the vans contents within the cab and rear to which they empty and load into an awaiting vehicle.
The standard door locks fitted to both Ford Transit and Mercedes vehicles make it easy pickings for criminals!
Prevention –
The good news is, this type of theft can almost be completely prevented at low financial cost to the vehicle owner. Heres how –
- Replace the drivers door barrel lock with Anti Tamper Lock
- Install side and rear door Deadlocks
Complete Theft of the Van and Contents
More experienced van thieves will steal the van, this usually occurs in the night or early hours of the morning because it is a much more complex theft. Entry to the van has to be gained, steering lock broken and immobiliser bypassed.
The van will then be parked in a different location, sometimes local and returned to at a later date by the criminals. This is to establish whether or not a tracker is fitted to the vehicle.
It may also be driven to a safe location and then stripped of tools and components like, Engine, Gearbox and other expensive parts.
The last scenario is the van could be fitted with false number plates and be used for other criminal activities.
There are some measures owners can put in place to slow down and hinder the theft!
Prevention –
Fitting the secure drivers door lock listed above is certainly a major deterrent for the thieves.
- Ensure keyless entry fob is secure at night in a Key Wallet
- Fit a good quality Crook Lock on an evening
- Park the vehicle in a well lit area on a evening
All the preventions above are regarded as easy “DIY” options. The main dealer of your vehicle manufacturer or a good local garage would be to offer these security upgrades.
