[Nike Air]

So after much head scratching of how our van was broken into we've finally sussed it with the help of a lass at LPT who has the same van (dispatch/expert).

https://youtube.com/shorts/nba1V5ATkr0?feature=share

https://youtube.com/shorts/gXlMgoruZF0?feature=share

Notice the small dints. That's the tell tale sign they have used a lever to open it.

Though this might be of help to other owners of this van.

[Duncan campbell]

Good knowledge Jordan - vans are absolute nightmares for break ins! I have a despatch so am gonna look into this having had my previous van stolen during lockdown #1

[Offwidth]

And I finished my book last night, yay!

Excuse me if this is a dumb question, but are you writing a book?

Glad you got most of your stuff back.

[NaoB]

Ha ha, no, it was just a crime fiction novel that I was 3/4 of the way through reading. I wanted to know the ending!

I would love to write a book but that would require a great deal more time than I'm ever likely to possess....

[SA Chris]

Ha ha, no, it was just a crime fiction novel that I was 3/4 of the way through reading. I wanted to know the ending!

Was the husband wasn't it. Or the butler...

[Offwidth]

Ha ha, no, it was just a crime fiction novel that I was 3/4 of the way through reading. I wanted to know the ending!

....seems a happier ending than it could have been

I would love to write a book but that would require a great deal more time than I'm ever likely to possess....

Most authors are very busy people... don't write the idea off.

[Nike Air]

Good knowledge Jordan - vans are absolute nightmares for break ins! I have a despatch so am gonna look into this having had my previous van stolen during lockdown #1

Proper whack isn't it.

Just had a quote for adding 3 deadlocks and removal of those inner switches that let the van know if the doors are open.
537 GBP INC VAT.

You can add your own bought from halfords but they look a little grim

[SA Chris]

bike lock round inside doorhandle I can't believe the design flaw makes it that easy.

[mrjonathanr]

Most authors are very busy people... don't write the idea off.

.

Boom 😃

[James Malloch]

So after much head scratching of how our van was broken into we've finally sussed it with the help of a lass at LPT who has the same van (dispatch/expert).

https://youtube.com/shorts/nba1V5ATkr0?feature=share

https://youtube.com/shorts/gXlMgoruZF0?feature=share

Notice the small dints. That's the tell tale sign they have used a lever to open it.

Though this might be of help to other owners of this van.

Any idea if this applies to the boxer/ducato? Wondering whether I should be fitting deadlocks too…

[sdm]

I think deadlocks and other aftermarket/DIY security upgrades are worth it on any valuable van.

I don't know about that specific weakness but I know there is a lock lifting weakness on the Boxer/Relay/Ducato as well as a fuel cap weakness (might be fixed on newer models?) and the OBD port weaknesses that are common to so many modern vehicles.

I've heard that Sprinters and Transits have the worst/most commonly exploited weaknesses but a determined thief is going to be capable of getting into/stealing any van. Deadlocks/immobilisers/trackers/steering locks/wheel clamps/dummy OBD ports etc should at least prevent opportunistic thefts.

[Nike Air]

Good knowledge Jordan - vans are absolute nightmares for break ins! I have a despatch so am gonna look into this having had my previous van stolen during lockdown #1

Sorry to hear that. What was your previous van?

Definitely worth looking into, a friend who is a builder/gardener has just had this happen over in Accrington twice in the space of a week whilst working over there. He is total gutted by it as this time they took absolutely everything and the police don't seem to be able to do a thing.

[Duncan campbell]

Had a Ford Transit. Which are always getting stolen in Sheffield.

Will look into beefing up security when I get home from France

[SA Chris]

Most authors are very busy people... don't write the idea off.

.

Boom 😃

Novel joke.

[rosmat]

Most authors are very busy people... don't write the idea off.

.

Boom 😃

Novel joke.

It was bound to happen

[James Malloch]

I think deadlocks and other aftermarket/DIY security upgrades are worth it on any valuable van.

I don't know about that specific weakness but I know there is a lock lifting weakness on the Boxer/Relay/Ducato as well as a fuel cap weakness (might be fixed on newer models?) and the OBD port weaknesses that are common to so many modern vehicles.

I've heard that Sprinters and Transits have the worst/most commonly exploited weaknesses but a determined thief is going to be capable of getting into/stealing any van. Deadlocks/immobilisers/trackers/steering locks/wheel clamps/dummy OBD ports etc should at least prevent opportunistic thefts.

Cheers. We have 3 of those fitted, but not deadlocks. Might be one to try and add before we go.

What’s lock lifting?

[sdm]

What’s lock lifting?

It's where they slide a flat blade under the plastic surround of the lock mechanism and lift it off to get at the lock.

You can prevent it either with deadlocks or some people replace the whole lock mechanism with one with a reinforced steel surround.

[Nike Air]

It amazing all the methods you start to become aware of.

Has anyone had an alarm fitted?

[turnipturned]

This is a good YouTube channel for van security:
https://www.youtube.com/user/sussexinstallations

My view on van security is; I just want to be in a position that my van doesn't get stolen. Therefore just about to change the lock mechanism on my custom and put a lock or reroute the OBD.

I am not convinced about the value of deadlocks (other than maybe a deterrent), especially if you have a side window. Surely if you have opportunistic thief, they will just  put a brick through the window. If you are going to leave valuables in your van, either get a bolt in safe, or take it with you?

[spidermonkey09]

This is a good YouTube channel for van security:
https://www.youtube.com/user/sussexinstallations

My view on van security is; I just want to be in a position that my van doesn't get stolen. Therefore just about to change the lock mechanism on my custom and put a lock or reroute the OBD.

I am not convinced about the value of deadlocks (other than maybe a deterrent), especially if you have a side window. Surely if you have opportunistic thief, they will just  put a brick through the window. If you are going to leave valuables in your van, either get a bolt in safe, or take it with you?

Think deadlocks are of more use for a Transit type van which has tools in the back almost permanently and where the bulkhead is in situ. As you say, if someone really wants to get into the back of a climbers van and theres no bulkhead, they'll get in through the window.

[SA Chris]

As added security when surfing (I usually conceal the electronic key on the van somewhere) I have an old fashioned steering lock, and hide the key for that well inside the van (i used to stash it in the pocket on my leash, but it's starting to rust). I know it's not infallible, but an extra layer. I've also got a locking plate fitted under the passenger seat to lock valuables away. No doubt it could also be broken with a big enough crowbar, but as I said, layers..

[gme]

My business has a huge issue with van break ins and despite spending thousands on every type of device and lock on the market we still get 2 or 3 a month. I don't think there is anything you can do to stop break ins once the thief has decided to target your van.

As all the tools and stuff of value are locked inside big metal boxes in the back that are welded or bolted to the floor they never actually steal anything but generally have caused damage to the doors that runs into £1000s at times. We are actually thinking about not putting deadlocks on the vans as the harder they are to get in the more damage is done and the higher the cost to repair.
Old fashioned steering locks are best to stop them stealing the van and a safe or lockbox inside for your stuff. In France in the 90s we used to just leave our van, open and take the HT lead off the distributor cap as we were sick of replacing windows.

[Paul B]

Would a Ghost not be sensible for an expensive van (they all seem to be £££)?

I know I recently looked at buying a Fiesta ST and they seem to be incredibly easy to steal. The beta was a Ghost and relocate the OBD. I live somewhere pretty rural/exposed and we have issues as it is so I decided to go for something else in the end as I just don't need the hassle.

[Adam Lincoln]

Would a Ghost not be sensible for an expensive van (they all seem to be £££)?

so I decided to go for something else in the end as I just don't need the hassle.

yeah no ones going to steal a fiat! 

[Paul B]

It's an Abarth. More on point, the OEM head unit effectively has a tracker built in. I couldn't use the head unit on it until the previous owner had relinquished control.