If you use a van for business, there is a good chance that it is your main workplace / office / store and toolbox all in one. Losing or having damaged or the content would be like losing your right arm and could potentially put your business in danger.
And that's not all. Did you know that there has been a sharp increase in the theft of catalytic converters because of their high value metal components contained in the converter itself? Vehicles such as vans that are higher on the ground are an easier target than cars.
It is obvious that you should make every effort to make your vehicle as safe as possible. Here are our top 12 tips for doing this.
1. Buying a van with integrated security systems
If you have not yet bought your van, it makes sense to buy one with a high level of built-in security right off the bat. Here is a list of the top 5 vehicles based on their safety.
2. Retro fit older vans with better security gadgets
Of course, the purchase of a new van guarantees that all integrated security systems will comply with Thatcham security standards, which is required by insurance companies. For older vans, it makes sense to install additional safety gadgets to secure the vehicle. As long as the devices are Thatcham compliant, they will help keep your van and its contents safe.
3. Install a tracking device
In addition to alarms and immobilizers, a tracking device can help you recover your vehicle quickly if the worst case occurs and your van is stolen.
4. Using forensic marks
Other tips to help you quickly recover your vehicle and your belongings include the use of forensic marks on your van and all your equipment. It will not hurt to brag about that on your van either. Letting potential thieves know that you are doing your best to protect your belongings and make their lives more difficult can be an effective deterrent.
5. Deliver your van
As bizarre as it may seem, if your name or company is plastered all over your van, it will be much easier to find it than it is in a white van on the road. This will also make it much more difficult for the thief to hide the vehicle, which means that he will look for an easier option (ie another pickup truck to fly) first.
photo credit: ShashiBellamkonda / Flickr
6. Install rear view windows
Mirrors can help visibility while driving, but if you are carrying expensive gear at the back of the van, they can also be used as a showcase for light-finger thieves. The glass is also much easier to pierce, so if you have windows in the back of your van, think about adding a grid or bars.
7. Choose one: Side access or rear doors
When it comes to easy access to your van, it's worth considering if you actually need side access in addition to the back doors because that's another way of entry that could be compromised.
8. Use locks and security locks
Additional door locks can also be useful in the fight against theft, with blockages and slam locks being very popular options. Snap locks, in particular, are easy to use and ensure that the door is locked automatically when you close it, so there is no chance of forgetting to lock the van.
9. Recheck your doors
Another ploy that thieves can use is to use a gadget to block the signal from your keychain locking system, so do not assume that you have locked your van and you are moving away. A quick check of the doors could prevent you from falling prey to this kind of scam.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-39456" src="https://businessdigit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1529090390_705_12-best-tips-to-protect-your-business-from-burglary-or-theft.jpg" alt=" Secure parking space for your van "width =" 810 "height =" 540 "/>
10. Park in a secure parking lot
A van may seem like the perfect vehicle to pierce, especially if you make it an easy target by parking it in a hidden but easy-to-access place. Ideally, you want to park in secure, locked and dedicated parking. If this is not available, be sure to park in a well-lit and busy area. If you can put it somewhere protected by CCTV, even better. If your van is parked outside your home every night, it may be helpful to install motion detector lighting and a CCTV system, especially if you are in a high-risk area.
11. Secure your equipment elsewhere
Never leave equipment in the van overnight, even though it may be at the end of a long tiring day. If you spend a few minutes locking your equipment under lock and key, it will be safer to leave it in your van. Again, letting potential scammers know that there is nothing in the van overnight could mean that they are looking for a more lucrative alternative.
12. Secure your outdoor equipment
Do not forget to protect your equipment also on the outside. If you are wearing a ladder on the roof, for example, consider a padlock and chain to make sure that it can not be simply lifted.
Of course, the advantage of making your van as safe as possible is that it also helps to reduce the cost of your insurance premiums. When shopping for your next van insurance quote from websites such as Compare Van Insurance, make sure to list all of your security features to get the best quotes from insurance companies.