A commercial vehicle is an important asset for many businesses. If you’re self-employed or work for a larger company, you will likely spend a good portion of your life within the confines of your van’s cab. In many ways, your van stores your entire working life. For this reason, it is important for you as a driver to feel that you, your tools and equipment are safely stored within the vehicle. We have compiled our top tips for van safety, so that you can keep your commercial vehicle secure at all times.
Never leave your van unattended when unlocked
According to a recent ONS survey, 43% of vehicle-related thefts were committed by thieves who entered a car or van when it was left unlocked and unattended. This type of opportunistic thievery is bad for you, your business and your insurance policy.
For this reason, you should never leave your commercial vehicle unlocked while it is unattended. In addition, you should always make sure your windows are closed if you need to be away from your van.
Make sure your van is fitted with good security devices
Your vehicle should be locked whenever it is unattended. Couple this with good security devices - such as additional locks and alarms - to deter potential thieves. By fitting your commercial van with these additional security measures, this will make any theft attempt increasingly difficult and time consuming for any would-be thief.
Related: The Top 5 Vans For Your Business
The majority of new commercial vans come fitted with a range of security devices as standard. Older vans, however, are unlikely to be fitted with security measures, so it is vital that you invest in securing your vehicle. Here are a few ideas:
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Deadlocks - A mechanical device that is fitted to a commercial vehicle door which is separate from the original lock. This uses an external key that operates by throwing a bolt into a receiver which is fitted to the opposing body section. These are incredibly difficult for thieves to pick compared to the original fitted locks.
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Slamlocks - An incredibly useful lock that naturally fits into the vehicle’s existing locking system. It works automatically when a door has been closed, so is simple but effective.
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Security plates for locks - Prevent your locks from being drilled by adding these effective shields over the current locks.
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Have an alarm installed - Alarms are incredible deterrents and will always help keep your van secure. However, never advertise the type of alarm that has been fitted, as a thief may know how to disable it.
Fit a tracking device
A tracking device should be fitted to all commercial vehicles and vans. If the worst case scenario happens and your van has been stolen, you or a third party can track its location immediately.
Store your keys securely
When leaving your vehicle, always make sure to remove your key from the ignition. Make sure all your windows and doors have been securely locked, even if it is just for a quick trip. This is an especially useful safety tip when visiting a petrol station during refuelling, because it is easy to think you won’t take too much time to pay. Thieves don’t need minutes to steal your van - just a few seconds.
When at home, your keys need to be stored somewhere that is out of sight. Never leave your van’s keys near windows or doors. Leaving your keys in sight of thieves is an open invitation that you want to avoid.
Carefully consider where you park your van
Parking your van securely at home is another important aspect of van safety. It is best if a commercial van is locked and secured within a garage. Obviously, not everybody has access to a garage at home but some will have their own driveway. You could invest in some low-cost security lighting along your drive which would certainly put off thieves from any potential break-in attempt.
Another security measure to consider is installing a CCTV system on the outside of your property. The price of these home systems has dropped dramatically in recent years, making them more affordable to the consumer. A CCTV system is an effective security measure for a van on a driveway or if you have to park on the street outside of your house. A CCTV system sends a clear and obvious message to any thieves that you have your eye on them.
There are times when you will have to park your van away from your home. When you are away from home, always park in a well-lit area and amongst other vehicles, as thieves like to target vehicles that are parked on their own.
Take measures to secure all contents in your vehicle
Your van is likely to contain expensive equipment, goods and tools which are always going to be attractive for thieves. This is why we recommend that you never leave any expensive items in your van overnight. However, you may have equipment in your van that cannot be moved out so easily.
Fitting a tool storage box that is attached to the floor of the van is an effective way to keep your tools secure overnight. You could also inform any passerby with a sign on your van that says, “No tools are kept overnight in this vehicle”. This could throw thieves off the scent of any potential robbery attempt.
One final van safety tip is to actually chain and padlock your items together inside of the van. This would be one tricky job for any thief to remove items from a commercial vehicle.
Related: What Licence Do I Need to Drive a Van?
If you’re a van driver in the market for a new van then Nationwide Cars has the best new van offers on the market. Our range of cheap vans are from all of the biggest manufacturers including VW and Ford. If you’re looking to finance a commercial vehicle, contact us today for the best deal to get you on the road.
