Protecting your commercial vehicle

For Instant protection from lock pick tools fit an anti-drill-anti-pick security lock which has a bezel around it which stops thieves from getting grips on it to open it.

• Manual Locking; Independent to Vehicles Vulnerable Locking System
• Anti-Drill, Anti-Pick and High Security
• Industry Standard Locking System
• Master key systems available

Dead Locks have been used with great success in the industry for many years and still tend to be the preferred option for many users. Operated by a high security key, a secondary Mortise Lock that acts independently to the manufactures locking system by throwing a dead bolt into a specially designed keep, enabling optimum vehicle security.

Essex Police advise to fit deadlocks that are;

• Manual Locking; Independent to the vehicles vulnerable Locking System
• Anti-Drill, Anti-Pick, High Security Cylinders can be supplied keyed alike.

The PedalBox encases the pedals in a high visibility secure box. Constructed from high grade steel and then finished with a high visibility Yellow durable powder coat, the PedalBox can easily be seen from outside the vehicle. The PedalBox can be transferred from vehicle to vehicle - ideal for Hire companies.

• Universal Design Fits Most Vulnerable Vehicles
• Transferrable from vehicle to vehicle - ideal for hire companies
• High Visibility & Durable Powder Coat Finish
• Handle Eases Fitting/ Transportation
• Separate Secure Storage for Valuables (SatNav/ Mobile Phone)

The Disklok stops vehicle theft by encasing the Steering Wheel in a high visibility secure cover. The Disklok can easily be seen from outside the vehicle.

• Spins on attack preventing steering the vehicle
• Covers the entire wheel preventing cutting the wheel
• Universal Design Fits Most Vulnerable Vehicles
• Transferrable from vehicle to vehicle – Ideal for hire companies
• High Visibility
• Sold Secure Gold Accredited

Fit an accredited OBD protection device which encompasses the OBD plug in a secure box which is then attached to the crash bar behind the dashboard and can only be unlocked with the correct high security key.

• Prevents your vehicle from being stolen via the OBD Port

A spare wheel lock protects the spare wheel lowering system which prevents the wheel from being stolen.

At risk vehicles include most Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV's), Motor Homes, 4x4's and people carriers. These are targeted by thieves as they offer considerable ground clearance, often allowing easy access to the vehicles CAT.

Vehicles can be a target anywhere, be it at home on the drive, at commercial premises, in hotel, supermarket or retail car parks. Consider where you are parking; generally, thieves do not like to be seen committing a crime so consider where the vehicles are parked. 

• If you have a fleet of vehicles, block those with high clearance using vehicles with low clearance. This will obstruct access underneath the vehicle.
• Use police approved Park Mark carparks whenever possible
• ID Etching - etch your converter with a serial number or car registration number. If police make an arrest and the catalytic converters do not carry ID marks, it may prove harder to identify the original owner and to bring offenders to justice.
• Protective clamps are available for exhaust systems – speak to your vehicle dealer.

• Anti-Scan Wallets can block the signal from a keyless entry fob
• Only buy Police approved sources Secured by Design Vehicle Security  Soldsecure vehicle security

Arrange to have your vehicle registration number etched onto all glass services- including the headlamps.

Or you could have the last 7 digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or some other unique identifying number linked to a recognised database, etched in this way.

Keep an inventory of all items in your van and the serial numbers of your most expensive ones. Consider marking these items so as to make them easily identifiable which will act as a deterrent.

Many tested and approved security products can delay and deflect vehicle crime www.soldsecure.com

www.securedbydesign.com

To protect your tools, equipment, materials and products safely fit a tool box recommended by Secured by Design or Sold secure.

• Ladder clamps are the safest way of securing ladders on roof bars/racks.
• Padlock the ladders to the ladder clamps when not being used.

Many thieves test out vehicles by bumping into them before they actually break in.

Consider a GSM alarm for the vehicle, once the sensor is triggered you receive a text or phone call. An alarm can help to keep your vehicle secure, but it must be installed professionally to be effective.

Fit a tracking system which will notify you if your vehicle is being interfered with or moved.

Always rely on Thatcham approved solutions.

If you park on a drive way, installation of low-cost security lighting and CCTV can deter any potential thief. If the design of your drive way allows, consider installation of a motion activated alert.

Parking away from home

Thieves always like to steal from vehicles parked in places where they run the least risk of being seen.

Try to avoid places that:

Are unattended, have easy access, are concealed from public view and have many escape routes. Park your vehicle where possible in the centre of a compound to allow better surveillance. Where possible back your van up to help protect rear door access.

ParkMark Car Parks

Try to look for a public car park which is part of the police-approved Park Mark scheme. This scheme aims to make car parks safer and more attractive places by setting high standards for design and management in order to prevent crime. Such parks will display a sign that says Park Mark. 

Management

Formal, agreed procedures can help ensure security is maintained.

Any incidents of concern to staff or vehicles and anyone asking unusual questions should be recorded and kept for the manager to assess. Along with a record of repairs, it might be worth creating a chat group for appropriate staff members to use if they notice anything suspicious. There should be a review of procedure and everyone should know what the chain of reporting is.

Inform your insurance company of any security changes/adaptations to the vehicle as this may reduce your insurance premium.