Choose a permitted, well-lit spot when you park. Take valuable tools into secure storage where you can, close the windows, lock up and check each door by hand. Use the diagram to decide what to improve next.
Before you walk away tonight
Which option suits which job?
Each option does a different job, so start with the problem you need to solve. OJB Autocare fits Ghost immobilisers and vehicle trackers. For door locks, vaults and cages, ask a specialist fitter for your van model.
| Option | Suits you when | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Compatible immobiliser | You want the van harder to drive away, including if someone gets hold of the keys. | Give the installer your make, model, year and van use to confirm compatibility first. |
| Manual deadlock or hook lock | You want an additional keyed locking point on the load doors, separate from the van's own locks. | Ask a specialist fitter whether it suits your side and rear doors and van model. |
| Slamlock | You make frequent stops and want load doors to lock automatically as they close. | Confirm fit for your doors and that you will carry the key every time you step out. |
| Anchored vault or cage | Some tools or equipment must stay in the van overnight because unloading is not practical. | Check it fits your load space and read any overnight conditions in your tool policy. |
| Monitored tracker | You want monitoring that can help locate and support recovery of the van after theft. | Check the subscription plan, model features and any device your insurer names in writing. |
Keep the van from being driven away
An alarm is designed to draw attention when someone tampers with the van. An immobiliser is designed to stop the van being driven without authorisation. An additional immobiliser such as the Autowatch Ghost II adds a private driver authorisation step before normal use on compatible vehicles.
A steering or pedal lock adds a visible physical barrier. Fit it each time you park if it suits your routine.
Compatibility depends on the exact vehicle. Give the installer the make, model, year and how the van is used before choosing a device.
Make the load area harder to get into
Taking tools out remains the strongest step. For anything that has to stay, the load doors and internal storage need attention.
A manual deadlock or hook lock adds a separate locking point that you operate with its own key. A slamlock locks the door as it closes, which can suit drivers who make frequent stops, provided you are happy to carry the key every time you step out.
For items that must remain overnight, an anchored vault or cage adds a second layer inside the van. Before buying, check that any lock suits both your side and rear doors, and ask whether your alarm covers the cargo area. A specialist fitter for your van model can confirm what fits.
Park with a routine
Run the same basic checks every time you park, then add the steps for where you are. Lock up, try each door by hand and take valuable tools with you or into secure storage where you can.
Short work stops
Lock the van even if you are only a few steps away, including while you are loading or unloading.
- Keep any doors you are not using shut and locked while you work at the van.
- Close the cab windows and take the keys with you, even for a quick job.
Worth considering If you stop many times a day, a slamlock saves relocking each load door, but only works for you if you always carry the key.
Home overnight
The van may sit unattended for hours, so unload what you can and park where it is easiest to watch.
- Bring valuable tools into the house or a locked store, and clear anything on display in the cab.
- Use a garage or driveway if you have one, or a lit spot visible from the house.
Worth considering If large tools must stay overnight, an anchored vault adds secure storage but takes up load space and needs a fit check for your van.
Working away
Hotel and site car parks are unfamiliar, so look over the space before you settle on it for the night.
- Pick a permitted, lit space in view of the entrance, reception or cameras where available.
- Take valuable tools into your room, or ask whether the site has secure storage you can use.
Worth considering Where safe and permitted, parking close to a wall can limit access to the load doors. Leave enough room to get out safely and keep access clear for others.
Improve recovery and keep records
A monitored vehicle tracker reports where the van is and can support recovery after a theft. The ScorpionTrack S5-VTS and S7-ALS are examples, and both rely on an active subscription with the provider for monitoring. Features depend on the model.
A Bluetooth tag may help you locate an individual item. It is a separate kind of service from a subscribed, monitored vehicle tracker.
Mark tools with a unique identifier and register them where you can. Keep a private inventory that records the item and make/model, the serial number or identifying mark, the receipt reference, the photo reference and, if useful, its value. Store the completed record securely away from the van.
Check your tool cover
Tool cover varies between insurers and policies, and your own policy wording decides what is covered. Requirements can depend on where the van is parked, how long it is left unattended, the locks fitted and the proof you can provide.
Read the overnight terms carefully, especially if tools stay in the van. Use the questions below when you speak to your insurer or broker.
- Are tools covered when the van is left unattended, including overnight, and between which hours?
- Does cover change depending on where the van is parked?
- Are particular locks or security devices required?
- Is evidence of forced entry needed for a claim?
- What proof of ownership will you ask for?
- What is the excess, and what are the per-item and total limits?
If your van or tools are stolen
Keep yourself safe and report the theft. Pass any tracker location to the police or monitoring provider so they can handle the response.
- Stay safe and report itIf the whole van has gone, report it to the police. If tools are missing after a break-in, leave the van as it is where safe and report the theft to the police. Note the crime reference number.
- Tell your provider and insurerIf a monitored tracker is fitted, contact the provider and follow their process. Tell your insurer and check what your policy asks for, which may include evidence of entry or proof of ownership.
- Give details from your tool recordUse your inventory to give the police and your insurer the serial numbers, identifying marks, photos and receipt references for each missing item. Keep a copy of what you send.
Van security questions
Are extra load-door locks worth it if tools stay in the van overnight?
They add another locking point, and an anchored vault adds secure storage for what remains. The right fit depends on your doors and how you use the van, and your insurer may set its own overnight conditions.
What makes a van harder to drive away if someone has the keys?
An additional immobiliser such as the Autowatch Ghost II adds a private driver authorisation step before normal use on compatible vehicles. A visible steering or pedal lock adds a physical barrier on top.
Is a Bluetooth tag enough, or do I need a monitored tracker?
A tag may help you find an item. A subscribed vehicle tracker provides monitoring that can support recovery of the van itself. If your insurer names a device or standard, follow the written requirement.
Do 'no tools left overnight' stickers work?
Views differ. Some crime prevention advice suggests truthful signage, and some security specialists are sceptical. A sign only makes sense when it is true, so the useful step is actually unloading and locking up.
What evidence should I keep in case tools are stolen?
Keep each tool's serial number or identifying mark, photos and the receipt reference. If tools are taken, add the crime reference number where known, and check with your insurer what proof it needs.
