Van Security Advice
When it comes to van security, protecting the contents stored inside the van can be as important as securing the van itself.
I’ve lost count of how many times a van owner has called me after having all their tools stolen. I’ve also heard from a few that have called to say they got woken up after a window had been smashed, but that the alarm did its job. Whilst neither situation is ideal, still having your possessions is preferable.
Many owners assume that their van already has an alarm, or were unaware just how easy the factory alarm is to defeat.
Take some time and consider the following points:
- Having remote locking does not mean that your van has an alarm system.
- Most factory van alarms lack internal motion sensors.
- Many factory alarms disarm with the driver side door lock.
Test your alarm
My video series will walk you through the process:
Whilst the Honda Vezel is not a van, the same rules still apply:
- How to test if your vehicle has an alarm
- How to test if your alarm is effective
- Upgrading the alarm to offer some real security
Or simply let me know the Make, Model and Year of your van and I should be able to help.
Consider your van security before fitting it out
Designing your storage area to work with the alarm is going to make it more effective. so I recommend hitting me up before fitting out the load area if you have any questions.
Upgrading the alarm
I can normally upgrade your van security system so it still uses the factory remote.
If your van does not have remote locking, I can provide you with a system that comes with new remote controls.
Ultrasonic internal protection
Ultrasonic internal motion sensors are my recommendation for vans without a solid cargo barrier.
Don’t bother with glass break sensors as they are not effective in large vehicles or even small vans with window tint film,
How ultrasonic sensors work
Ultrasonic sensors come as a pair. Whilst both look identical, they perform different jobs. There is a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter sends out an ultrasound wave. This bounces around the load area of the van and is picked up by the receiver.
When the alarm is armed, the system goes through a pre-armed stage where it learns the volume and shape of the van interior. After this time, any change in volume will be detected and activate the alarm to sound.
To be effective, both sensors need to have a good view into the back of the van.
The sensors are normally installed at the top of either “A” pillar as shown in the photo. So long as there are no obstructions, they will be effective.
There will be some dead zones, such as the lower front load area directly behind the front seats seats. In order to get to that area, the van door would need to be opened or the window smashed, which would result in an alarm activation.
Obviously, an ultrasound wave will not travel through a solid cargo barrier, so that’s definitely something to consider when designing your interior storage.
They are still effective if you have a wire mesh barrier and are not hanging solid items to block the line of the sound waves.
Another option could be to install the ultrasonic sensors in the centre of the van with the interior light, but this option depends on the interior trim and design layout.
Solid cargo barriers
If you have a solid cargo barrier, ultrasonic sensors will not be able to detect movement in the load area.
Other load area sensors
Where ultrasonic sensors are not suitable, I would recommend a PIR sensor or a Microwave sensor to protect the load area.
Van security tips
It’s easy to say you should remove your tools at night or park in a garage, but this is not always realistic. Plus that’s not going to stop your van being targeted at a worksite or public carpark.
Keep tools out of sight or bolted down
Bolt down your lock box
Van Alarm Installation Near You
If you’re in the Wellington region then I’m your local expert. I offer an on-site installation service covering Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, Kapiti, and Levin.
If you have a fleet of vans that need security then I may even travel beyond this area. Just ask. Contact me here.
