And I finished my book last night, yay!
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....
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
Most authors are very busy people... don't write the idea off.
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=sharehttps://youtube.com/shorts/gXlMgoruZF0?feature=shareNotice 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.
Quote from: Offwidth on March 29, 2022, 11:24:02 amMost authors are very busy people... don't write the idea off..Boom 😃
Quote from: mrjonathanr on March 29, 2022, 05:02:43 pmQuote from: Offwidth on March 29, 2022, 11:24:02 amMost authors are very busy people... don't write the idea off..Boom 😃Novel joke.
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.
What’s lock lifting?
This is a good YouTube channel for van security: https://www.youtube.com/user/sussexinstallationsMy 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?
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.
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.
We got a ghost but had issues with it (software meant engine light kept coming on). They upgrade it which brought on a second light and in the end changed it for a Scorpion X immobiliser (same thing but different brand). That worked until this week when I put it into service mode and it’s now stuck in that (so no immobiliser working at the moment). They’re on their way back out for the 5th time now.
Nothing you do will stop someone stealing it if they really want to. Sounds like you've taken every sensible precaution possible; don't let worrying about it ruin your trip!
Quote from: spidermonkey09 on April 01, 2022, 10:47:54 amNothing you do will stop someone stealing it if they really want to. Sounds like you've taken every sensible precaution possible; don't let worrying about it ruin your trip!Agreed. We had someone drill out the locks on our T4 as we slept in it (which was obvious given the window foils and the pad which was propped against the outside of the passenger door).