Van Guard helps defend against tool theft
Security specialist Van Guard offers a variety of vehicle locks to help combat the theft of tools from light commercial vehicles.
“The UltiLock van lock and shielding range enables tradespeople of the UK and Europe to maximise their vehicles security by giving them a vast amount of security solutions to choose from,” said the company.
The range includes the second-generation van hooklock, the UltiLock Hooklock.
“Hooklocks are the next generation of van security deadlocks,” said Van Guard.
“They work in the same way as straight deadlocks, but a hook style bolt is thrown and hooks into the receiving bracket, offering next level security… making it harder to force open and gain access to the vehicle.
“Aftermarket hooklocks are the most popular and effective van security lock on the marketplace and the UltiLock Hooklock has been specifically designed and tested to be one of the strongest on the market. Van Guard’s Hooklock is Secured by Design accredited, meeting the requirements of a Police Preferred Specification,” added the firm.
When the UltiLock Hooklock isn’t practical, Van Guard recommends utilising a deadlock.
“Deadlocks are a common and popular additional security upgrade and work in the same way as hooklocks, but instead of throwing a hook into a receiving bracket, they throw a straight bolt. Deadlocks are designed to be placed in the best possible location to help prevent against an attack.
“For example, on certain vans… thieves have started to attack the vans using a method commonly referred to as ‘peel and steal’. In this method of attack, thieves crowbar open the top of the door and apply pressure to ‘peel’ down the top of the door to gain access to the van’s load area.
“Van Guard have developed Deadlocks in specific high positions that help to stop and fight against this well-known attack. To help prevent the ‘peel and steal’ attack, Van Guard have also developed a range of Anti-Peel brackets in both high and low positions, for the Ford Transit and Ford Transit Custom and the Dispatch, Expert, Pro-Ace and Vivaro.”
To prevent opportunistic thieves, Van Guard has developed the UltiLock Slamlock, which it says is ideal for multi-drop delivery drivers and those who have high-value goods in the vehicle.
“Integrating with the OEM locking mechanism, when the van door shuts, the van is automatically locked without the need for any user interaction. Slamlocks work by deactivating the vans factory fitted door handle and installing an additional surface mounted lock to the door.”
Another attack method thieves commonly use is the ‘grip and spin’ method, says Van Guard, which allows quick and easy access to the cab area; and from here thieves can unlock the load area, allowing theft of any contents within.
“Van Guard offer a Ford Replacement Lock, to protect against these common methods of attack. It is a direct replacement for the manufacturer’s lock and this common and effective security upgrade is a must for all Ford Transit and Ford Transit Custom owners.”
The company also provides Loom Guards, to protect against thieves cutting the wiring loom to gain access to vehicles – said to be a low cost but highly effective security upgrade.
Another way to prevent attacks is by using internal and external shielding, says Van Guard.
“Internal shields fit internally to protect vulnerable points in the van where thieves could drill or punch a hole in the van to allow access to either the door locking cable or door locking mechanism within the vehicle’s skin.”
Van Guard offers a wide range of internal, external and handle shields, in both stainless steel and black powder coat.
