Why You Should Enhance Your Work Van and Truck Security
With the increase in vehicles’ burglars, it is important to install vehicle security features to thwart the ever-increasing burglary and carjacking. Security installations protect the vehicle and its items from unauthorized personnel. Trucks with building materials are usually the primary targets for these burglaries. The goods stolen from these trucks are often resold on the black market.
Since the vans and trucks need is on the rise, there are measures that you can take to minimize the theft in your cargo vehicles. We have highlighted some of them below.
Top Seven Ways of Improving Your Vehicle Security
1. Installing Alarms and CCTV
Technology has made it possible for alarms and CCTV to work in virtually any environment. Alarms refer to the integrated electronic devices, which works by making special sounds to alert the driver of vehicle interference. CCTVs are the surveillance cameras that are installed to monitor the inside and surrounding of any building or vehicle.
Alarms have sensors that are placed strategically at outer parts of the vehicle. A control panel for these sensors is strategically located on the car. Car alarms are usually placed at the windows and doors, as they are the primary entry points of a vehicle. When a person approaches or interferes with the car, the alarm is triggered, which alerts the driver. CCTV, on the other hand, acts as a spy giving the driver the car’s view and that of its surroundings.
2. Use of Locks
Locks act as the first line of security for your vehicle. The smash-and-grab sceneries are rising each day in America. You should, therefore, avoid leaving your car unlocked as doing so increases your chances of being robbed.
You should install deadlocks, slam locks and stop locks in your work van to protect the side and rear doors. Adding protection plates around your locks also deters thieves from gaining access into your vehicle.
Besides, leaving your car unlocked at night could also mean providing a home for a homeless person in the night. Ensure that you lock your truck to protect the interior compartments and components. You can get reliable locks from vehicle security providers like Ford transit security locks.
3. Lock the Steering Wheel
Having a disk lock for your steering wheel is the best line of defense against carjackers. Most carjackers always ransom check for a steering wheel lock and if they find one they will skip stealing the car. Having a steering wheel locks means no steer and subsequently no driving.
There are different types of steering wheel locks, such as plastic and steel models. Steering wheel locks offer effective protection to tracks and vans from carjackers. The locks ensure the safety of the vehicle and its property all times.
More so, some steering wheel locks come with extra features like a connection to brake pedals or clutch for reinforced security. When going for a steering wheel lock, you should choose a universal lock that is compatible with most vehicles. You can get reliable steering wheel locks from sprinter van security locks.
4. Installing Steel Windows Grills and Window Tints
Installing window grills is one of the old practices of securing items. However, it is still common due to the numerous benefits it has. If you have glass windows for your truck/van, you should consider adding window grills.
Vehicle’s windows have vulnerable points that can easily be broken when one fails to install additional protection. Installing window grills also provides the extra security needed for preventing burglary and vandalism. The window grills also protect your items from accidental damage.
With the window grills, you can enjoy the fresh air as they have large open spaces that promote air circulation. Therefore, if you love leaving your windows open, you will enjoy more security provided you install the window grills.
Window tints also prevent potential burglars from spying on the items or tools in your van. Since most thieves steal what they can see, having tints in place puts them away as they are unsure of what they can find in the van.
5. Park Safely
Though most drivers ignore safety parking, it is important for any vehicle’s security. Parking in an insecure lot or in the middle of the road poses extra security threats to your vehicle. You should choose a well-lit parking lot for your van.
When looking for a parking lot, you should also choose the ones that have many pedestrians- Avoid closed or lonely spaces. The strangers could turn out to be good pedestrians or cops in plain clothes which discourage most thieves.
On the other hand, dark and secluded locations favor thievery since thieves will find it a perfect spot for committing their burglary or carjacking. Besides, when parking ensure you lock your truck and activate the alarm systems.
6. Clamp the Ladders
Ladders are important for any van or truck during on loading and offloading. Some thieves target ladders too and is the reason you should protect them. When not using them, you should clamp them up to prevent thieves from stealing them. You should also lock other tools in your van and truck.
The ladder clamp secures your ladder to your van’s rack. The clamp also ties the two extension ladders together. The advantage of stacking the two ladders together is to reduce the damage to the ladder due to the truck jostling up and down. It also minimizes damage to other truck items.
7. Installing Security Lights
If you usually park your truck/ van at night, consider installing security lights at the parking space. You should place these lights strategically to illuminate anyone who approaches the vehicle.
Another effective strategy is parking your van on a barrier or wall- Doing so restricts access to the rear and side doors. This strategy makes the van’s entry points fewer hence easier to monitor.
With the van and trucks burglar cases increasing in America, it is necessary to take precautions to secure your vehicle. Thieves are devising new strategies of stealing every day, and that makes it necessary to apply a combination of security measures to protect your vehicle.