Simple van theft prevention ideas

Owning a van can be a great way to assert your independence, but unless you take proper care of your vehicle, you could soon find yourself falling victim to criminals. Van theft is at a high in the UK, due to the effects of the recession still being felt, while vehicle vandalism on the whole is also on the rise, compared to previous years. This makes it essential that responsible van drivers take steps to protect their vehicles when not in use, and take out the appropriate cover.

When parking your van, avoid dark and empty streets where opportunists are more likely to attempt a break-in. While your own garage can be safest, by parking in a well-lit public place or a car park, you're less likely to fall victim to criminals if your van is protected by sophisticated security devices, as criminals will be less keen to spend time attempting to get past these when the risk of being caught is heightened.

It's also not a good idea to leave valuables or other items clearly visible inside your van that could make it an even more tempting target for thieves. Van drivers should be aware that their vehicles already tend to fetch a higher value from resell than many cars, however some criminals are more interested in small-scale theft, and may enter your van if they see signs of valuables or cash on display.

Many van drivers who report van theft admit that they left doors or windows open or unlocked, which can provide easy access to criminals. By taking care to ensure all entry points to your van are sealed, not only will you reduce your risk of burglary, but you can also help your van insurance claim, if you're able to prove that the theft wasn't your own fault.

There are further steps that can be taken in the interest of safeguarding your van, and improving your chances of being reunited following theft. If your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is not already engraved on your van's components, you can do this yourself, as it will make all parts of your van easier to trace if re-sold. Another, more advanced method that can help bring your van home safe and sound is to sign up for vehicle tracking, which will allow the police to track a device hidden inside your van as soon as you report it missing.