@TheEternalPonderer must depend on region. Any police auction I have been to still had the cages. Only things removed were the light bars and loud speaker for the sirens.
I thought you were talking to me man! I came across some used boarder patrol detaining boxes at a scrap yard that would fit nicely on one ton chassis that were air conditioned and very secure.
I think any security fitted should be visible from the outside as a deterrent. Paying for new doors paint work and the sign writing all while hiring another van is probably more expensive than this kit. I think this will be suitable more for locksmiths, nice to see some thought into it though. Deadlocks and the stainless steel plates covering the weak spots gets my vote as standard. Even with the higher price it’s worth it.
Can be a Deterrent or Attraction, the bad guy can look at that and think it's not worth it OR can think since have all that security they have something worth stealing
Frankly Pete as an ex motor tech. I would be tempted to do this myself. Some angle steel for the frame work and the up and cross steel. No perspex needed I feel. For anyone else not wanting to, I don't think£2700 is too much for a manufacture to absorb. Even if they halved that to get the sale they they would sell many more. Immobilisation of the wheels if triggered would be good. If they can't get in it they may just tow it. A reverse ABS that locks the wheels on activation. Many of these things together with your excellent ideas could be implemented quite cheaply at build with little extra tooling. I'm sure many fabricators could do this at a cheaper price also.
I totally agree with everything you’ve said. And the internal doors are a great job. And here’s the but!! £3k for internal security is a piss take because they already know the £30,000 van security straight from the factory is that 💩 that they now offer “additional” security. It’s about high time the manufacturers were held responsible for such crap security. Granted there’s not that much can be done against a grinder but you can get into these vans with your bare hands ffs that in my eyes is unacceptable. And at a push a flat head screwdriver 🪛 😡 sorry rant over 😂
Ford transit vans are horrendous, there is a fatal flaw in that all of the cargo locks are linked to the cab door handles. They smashed the glass and just pulled the handle inside the cab and it releases all of the power locks in the cargo area.
Thing is so many people with a van don't need extra security. Delivery vans are empty at night, people like florists and bakers don't carry high value items. These people will want the lighter van for MPG and the lower cost. Technically it makes sense to upgrade if you carry high value items, like you would a house or a lockup.
As a joiner, (and hence a huge risk of getting tools stolen as joiners tools cost the most), I got a heavy duty steel tool safe inside my van that is big enough to carry all tools that I have for any given day. I then lined it with 20 mm ply bolted to the tool safe. As well as the shielded padlocks on the tool safe, I designed and made a hidden lock system that means if they did get past the padlocks the toolsafe still wont open. The plywood was because it slows down the prevalent battery grinders and just makes them burn. It might seem like a bit overboard but its almost impossible to get tool insurance to actually pay out,( most want receipts and some of my tools I have had for 35 years).
@@anthonypilgrim3593 it seems you’ve totally missed the point here Anthony, it shouldn’t matter if you are a florists or a tradesman, when you spend £30k plus on a vehicle the security should have a certain standard. Door folding has been going on for 20+ years and a lot of these vans can have the side/rear door folded with bare hands, that is completely unacceptable. You mentioned weight for mpg, but an additional 20-30kg of decent grade steel in the weak areas would rectify these weaknesses. Why should a tradesman, florists, delivery companies not have these built into the £30k+ vans?? People have been buying van vaults for years because of these weaknesses.
@@paulthompson5416spot on. That goes to all car and van manufacturers. They’re pumping out over priced vehicles that aren’t worthy what they charge from day one. They won’t even supply a simple Foot well Matt in the price of a new vehicle. Yet tyoubtake it back a year later to the same dealer and it’s worth fuck all to them 🤔 high time manufacturers were made to sell at the right price and service their own vehicles instead of the crap dealerships we currently have who don’t care.
This just honestly boggles my mind what you guys go through. I live in Canada, I constantly forget to lock my work van at night. During the day on most general site the vans always unlocked with the keys in it. This kind of theft isn’t herd of in my area
As a nation we might be advancing in technology but unfortunately technology doesn't solve the morality issue of society. I was in UAE on holiday and people left their phones on charge in random places and no one dare touch anyone's property. Can't do that here in the UK. I concur that this is not an issue even in places like Calgary in Canada as I have been on vacations there and it's pretty safe.
I love this, there's only so much equipment you can fit inside a van vault but this keeps everything safe! I've been done 6 times in 15 years. It's nice to see manufacturers thinking about trades people and taking this seriously. Thanks for sharing Pete :)
As long as there is a market for 2nd hand tools , Ebay / car boot markets etc this will never stop and this includes other country’s as well as a lot of stolen tools end up overseas...
A simple suggestion and something I have looked at is solenoid locking pins on the doors that fire into the main van frame, activated by your central locking, so side door would be a reinforced brace at top to stop peeling back but with two location solenoids that lock vertically into roof line, back doors similar on the vertical but also a top and bottom side solenoid that locks into each door.
Thanks Pete, I like the ideas that you have suggested to improve the prototype, perhaps reinforcing the side panels and roof would also be prudent as I've seen photos online where they cut a hole in the panel and gain access and personally I would like to see reinforcement to the cockpit locks and perhaps a randomly generated code key for the ignition (facial recognition Technology) making it difficult to steal the van and it's contents combined. Thanks again for highlighting this sore topic and I'd like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and New Year!
I can't imagine the manufacturers would be that bothered about the users. I bet they make millions per year in parts etc from the damage caused from break ins
Like many have said already, prevention is preferable. If the thief is aware of the added security measures in place, they are less likely to try and break in. I agree with you Pete, the weak areas need reinforcing and then something on the van that eludes to the added security installed. A recognizable logo backed up with an advertising campaign so the thieves don't bother trying.
A great result. The basics as you said with the doors being reinforced and deadbolts as standard would cut the issue down. Considering a traffic for the next van as they’re listening to feed back. It’ll never be perfect but the effort goes a long way
I think all the ideas are spot on with the lock and adding steel plates behind, with the door bending on the top right should make it a hook mechanism like the door handle so when pull that it open the top as well, and with the cage doors on the inside they’re brilliant and to stop them coming through the roof why not ply line the inside or use the same metal in the cages door in the roof lining stops the thieves dropping in, I’ve had my van broken into twice in 2 month nothing done about seeing this and these options being put on it I will definitely change to this van if the price is right 👍👍
Great video. The only issue I have with this is that there's nothing on the outside of the van to deter a scumbag from trying to get it... Like you say they'll knacker the door (which will still put you out of action while you get it fixed). Metal struts preventing the peeling of the doors is great, but what's needed in addition to those suggestions is to make it obvious to scumbags that your van has these measure in place.....which may prevent any attempt by all but the most determined scumbag from having a pop to begin with.
They'll just go in through the roof instead, especially when they learn more people are using these cages. I've seen loads of videos and pictures of them going through the roof now, so this won't stop them at all, also with van weight loads already being fairly low how much more weight does this add? This is definitely a step in the right direction but certainly not there yet. I've seen the deadlocks that are built into the locking system which should come as standard not sure if these are the ones you meant or if you meant the key turn locks. Those key turn locks stand out to thieves and they know you're trying to protect something and they can get through them within 5 seconds I think I saw? Thanks for keeping us updated on this, I don't know if you've seen but skill builder also released a video recently about van security
Thank you for continuing to champion this ongoing and important issue, Pete. I agree with some other comments: anti lock tampering should be visible to help deter scumbags in the first place. There should be different levels of security protection. Known weak points must be addressed in design and from the factory. Thats a no brainer. Additional visible deadlocks then might level 1 you the cage could be a level 3 protection etc. If you have the cage, perhaps there should be some sort visable badge to help inform/warn thefts that there's no point trying to break in in the first place! Hope this helps? Merry Xmas and a Happy New year
adding an integrated roof rack that's heavy duty steel will make it harder to get through the roof and be useful to trades. Id love to see factory fitted deadlocks too, its a good initial deterrent that'll help stop the van being damaged at all. a factory tracker would be great as well and rear door alarm. a van with all that would be on the top of my list, it'd even pull me away from Ford who I've bought vans from for years.
Nearly all the new customs I've seen leaving local dealership have had deadlocks on. Don't know if Ford are addressing the issue direct, or the dealership has
The only thing that come to mind is the Perspex should be opaque, as if the thief gets past the outer door, they can't see what's inside. possibly a bit more deterrent. well done Pete keep up the good work
As a locksmith I know that the weakest point on the secondary cage is the locks used on those doors, with a shim key it will bypass the warding on that cheap lock. Why don’t they use the high security Euro locks used on a lot of doors on the continent. Another issue is that with portable right angle grinders they can cut through the metal around the lock. They should use a reinforcement plate of AR500 steel which is used on bullet proof vests against high power rounds. It also takes time to grind through this type of steel. Don’t know about the laws over your way but there is an American company that has pepper spray traps that will empty a can of pepper spray on the perp. They make a manual trip unit as well as several electronic dispensers. Alarms help but I have supplemented the speaker with a Federal Signal PA300 police siren. One speaker inside the tool compartment and one behind the front grille. This can shatter a perps eardrums as well as gain attention to anyone nearby. There is no trouble in installing it so it cannot be activated from within the cab to keep the local doughnut eaters happy.
Firstly I’d like to thank the van company for getting on board. And actually listening.👏🏻👏🏻As someone who got his tools stolen is not somewhere I’d like to go again. Instead of an inside door would it be possible to put enough steed on the exterior doors without having to have an inside door. Upgrade hinges, a better alarm system, maybe also a kill switch so if they steal the van that it’s fuel cuts out after a few seconds. Once again thanks for listening as I thought our argument was falling on deaf ears👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Very nice video thanks for show casing this Couldn't agree more with your suggested upgrades. As some what of a hobby lock picker myself I'd be very interested to test the integrity of the locking mechanism fitted to the cage against a lock picker with any level of experience as it doesn't look amazing on here !
Some good points you raised about weak spots. I think a big part of deterring thieves is making it less attractive rather than 'harder' to break into. For example you could install a motion sensing flood light on your house if the van is parked on the drive so it illuminates the area if someone walks onto your driveway. Make sure your house/driveway is visible from the street. So if you have tall hedges around your property that can provide cover for a thief, it can afford them more time before being noticed. Having security cameras and other anti theft measures on your property, is telling a thief that you are taking measures to make it difficult for them.
@@stuartcraigon2003 If the lamp(s) are carefully placed there will be shadow where they're trying to work but their faces will be lit for cameras & for neighbours phoning the Police.
Well done pete 👏👏for raising this van tool theft issue..well done Renault first company to do something about it..👏👏👏 ..deadlocks top and bottom of each side and back door a factory fit must...and alarm.....had them fitted to my 65 reg traffic ...
Great to see them trying, I just put deadlocks on mine and a really good alarm, alarm allows me to track the Van, has shock sensors,has a sensor that constantly measures the volume of the rear load space so if you manage to get in through the roof or side without setting off the shock sensors it goes off, sends a text to my phone, I agree the doors need better protection, probably causes an issue with their crash testing though as they are available in crew/mini bus variant
I know one thing for sure with that traffic definitely worth getting the Reinforced PVC Chrome Mirror Covers as that left mirror with the indicators on is definitely gonna cost a ton to replace. Great video!! ❤
Well done mate. Keep up the good work. These optional doors look great, but we all know that the main problem is the standard vans from all manufacturers are not fit for purpose when they come to security. It blows my mind that when you buy a 30k van, you then need to go and pay a separate company to fit dead locks and armour plates, etc... it really is a joke. Adding keyless start??? 🤯
Great video Pete, as you said definitely a step in the right direction. What gets me though is why you’ve had to point out all the weak points and make suggestions to them. Surely they are fully aware of this ? The internet is flooded with info on the matter, us tradesman are all aware of it and so are the thieves, so how can the manufacturers not be ? Do they not do any research on their products ?
This cage looks like a aftermarket retrofit idea - its like they’ve taken a van off the line & said ‘what can you do to make this more secure?’ Ideally these security features should be built in at the design level of the vehicle
They've added the doors that they fit to police vans. Pretty sure you could pick some up from any 2017 or older ex police vivaro for a hell of a lot less than 3k
Absolutely fantastic I wish I had a van like this. My tools got stolen worth around £6000 this month and I'm stuck this Christmas without work and lost the jobs I started I'm bloody stressed out
Takes a special type of scumbag breed to knowingly rob someone's tools. They are perfectly capable of going out and working if they are capable of breaking into vans. The sad thing is they are knowingly taking a person's means of earnings people have families to feed bills to pay etc and these low life ass wipe scumbags steal another hard working man's earnings, go and get a job like real men do. Hope your situation improves all the best.
I saw someone many years ago put a layer of the same stuff tree surgeons wear, between 2 thin sheets of metal, if the grinder touches it, it just wraps around the blade and wrecks the grinder, you virtually had to destroy the grinder to remove it. At least this way you would only have to fix a minor slice and not the whole door
If the doors become a strong point, they will just jigsaw through the sides or roof. Granted jigging a hole in the roof will take a little longer but probably still less than 40 seconds. My thoughts are to reinforce the doors and put a resin type stringy fibre so that if blades are used, it strangles said blade.
I had a van with a after market cage fitted on the side and back doors it was a right pain in the arse when your in and out getting tools fittings ect out all day
Regarding the new internal fitted security door, I'm just wondering how much that will impact accessablity? With being a plumber too, can you easily move a bath, long radiators, boilers ect without damaging them, as the new security doors open the oppersit way to the sliding van door? That's before you add in a raised floor fitted too? I like the idea, just questioning accessablity 👀😅
I was one of the first to start campaigning against tool theft. ( Tool Crime Deserves Time ). As part of my campaign I actually designed this security door & approached every van manufacturer and not one of them were interested. Vauxhall actually admitted that if they accepted my design they would be liable for admitting that the existing security on their vans was not fit for purpose 🤷♂️.. Great to see something is eventually being done. We had another one of our vans done over only last week 😠
Fantastic idea! Definitely a step in the right direction. If it’s not financially viable for the manufacturer to add plates, deadlocks etc as standard then they could make it an optional extra.
Great idea! And defo a step in the right direction…However my only concern with it, as with anything more secured on the van is if thieves know they can’t get in the van while your not there they will just wait until we are at the van and then get what they want, putting us in more danger…there’s no solution to this other than having to look over your shoulder more I would say 🤷♂️
Friend did something similar to his van. It stopped them getting in... Until they took the angle grinder to the roof and peeled it back like a sardine can.
It’s a start Pete. 👍. Must admit those internal doors need to be a bit more easier to unlock than getting a key every time . Maybe a separate fob or something but may but another £500 on it 😂
The internal cage is a good idea as an extra barrier. But I'd resent paying an extra £2-2.5k because the manufacturers have never bothered to address design flaws. So like you've suggested, manufacturers should be adding reinforcing as standard and improving the quality of the locks fitted. My old boss had a Ford years back that had such a worn out key he could open his mates vans with it..
If losing 30mm in would they supply the floor level to be flush with the van vault doors or have lip under the finish floor. 2nd thing racking now some people like the doors for big wipes and hose holders is there something that could be extra to have on the doors without making it weak or would we have to think about reducing space and place the items somewhere else?
Great video and fantastic to have options to secure our stuff. Having recently had a van done the weak spots definitely need improving. All I would say is criminals will learn and develop techniques to get around this. Most are very organised and don't care about noise. Most likely they would cut the back end of the side panel and peel it open. Or go through the roof. We had a van done through the roof 3 or 4 years ago. We will also see an increase in whole vehicle theft or physically waiting for us and taking keys etc. These things might deter a small % away which is a good thing. But ultimately the fix isn't with the vehicles. It's in the justice and policing system. Longer sentences and enforcement by the police. We have taken the opposite approach and make the vehicles as easy as possible to access. Removing tools and equipment in full. It works for us but won't work for everyone based on trade. Now we are left with just the costs to repair single panels/doors. Sad isn't it when you sit and think.
I've always thought mag locks would be a good idea. Something like a secondary battery in the back of the van and still fed off of the alternator. Put them in multiple locations around the doors to prevent/reduce doors from being peeled
Definitely, there's a guy in Bristol who supplies and fits internal deadbolts with a remote,, on the weak points of cargo doors,, better in my opinion because if the thieving scum can see your security locks outside, they will just cut a panel out,, I've recently fitted a rooflight for a camper conversion, as an experiment, i cut the hole out with battery multi tool, citreon van, i reckon if i didn't want it neat, a good tin opener would have done
Firstly, thank you for the effort you’re putting in on this subject, it’s much appreciated by us all I’m sure. It’s a good starting point but during a busy day when you’re in and out of the van constantly I’d quickly become annoyed with the extra doors to constantly deal with. How about some heavy duty roller shutter type things that can be stowed up in the roof when not required? Deadlocks, extra plates around the locks etc should have been implemented years ago there’s enough third party companies already doing it along with internal van vaults etc. And the police should be held more accountable for the lack of interest shown.
I think it was New York had a "broken windows policy" where Police prioritized minor crimes, it worked, _all_ crime went down significantly. Magistrates have to be part of it, there's no point catching them if they're going to be let off with a pocket-change fine.
Whilst is a great option for added security it doesn't fix the first issue of getting through the standard fitted doors. Wouldn't take much to have a shaped plate of either stainless or carbide steel bonded to the door panel protecting the lock actuator points. A double rib in the door frame would stiffen the doors with minimal cost or weight increase. Pre made recesses for euro style deadlocks. (not an instant investment return for the manufacturer but makes the vehicle just tip the scale when it comes to the choice between manufacturers) Bolt in stiffeners for the (window) panels, so they can't just hack into the single skin area and peel open. How much realistically would it cost to put some threaded bolt points around the windows so you could bolt in a second skin or rack or any optional extra. Then there is the basics that all cars have, a decent category alarm with immobiliser, deadlocking door locks, single door unlocking and relocking on close. fit a second sounder in the cab and in the load area, (I had this with an alarm years ago in my van and when it got broken into it was so loud in the cab they couldn't think to be able to steal anything and left it). Nothing wrong with an ignition key, keyless is nice but if high end cars can't get it sorted then vans will become an easy target, just don't put key locks on the load area doors use central remote locking, (keep it to one door for emergency entry and ignition).
Evening Pete, a great idea from the manufacturer and a step in the right direction. Does the side security door when opening not restricting you when parked along side other vehicles because it opens outwards and also would the lock ever fail and you then can’t access the door. But yeah I like the idea. Any extra security is a bonus 👍
And won't most tradesmen get fed up having to open another set of doors every time they want to grab a tool etc? Personally I'd think that you'd be better off with Chubb/dead locks fitted to the vehicle's doors.
@@steveclark.. a piece of 1" angle iron screwed to the top of the left side of the sliding door overlapping the frame & a Yale lock on the right would deal with most thieves trying to peel the door down.
Great van. Only thing I would think of would be advertising what’s inside so can see what you have. So might deter them before starting on it. As for price yeah a bit dear but when coming to sell I think would increase value especially for people who are starting out and can’t afford a new van. A alarm itself is good really. Really great got in touch with you too in my eyes for review. Great job 👍👍👍
I was wondering if some small patches of fabric that Shreddes and causes saw blades to jam only under the van skin in area where they might cut in only cause it could he a cheap easily placed and not much weigh add nor much cost which fabric im not sure youd have to look into that
The door security plates that you mention could be added at the factory for penny's with modern body glue they would not even have to be welded - the anti peel device would only require a bit of box steel put in the door sub frame - again penny's As someome mentioned earlier a visual deterent is needed also I built a cage for the back of a van years ago - after having a vehicle stolen (I became paranoid and went OTT on security) YES I did loose space in the back but knowing that I could park it anywhere ( if working away ) was a good compramise on the space lost If you find a local welder / fabricator they can custon make a cage for the back of a van - for a fraction of the manufactures factory job and can custom make it to your spec It is a discrace that van companys KNOW the weak spots and do NOTHING about it - look at the "new transit" a week after launch the faults were flagged up and they are STILL making it !!
Keep it simple - just use a van vault bolted through the floor of the van and leave all the doors open. Even with this set up the damage they will do to the vehicle trying to get in will negate any benefit. I know this is a difficult one , but try to limit the amount of tools you take on a job - there are far too many folk fitting out their vans like a Snap-on Truck . Memories of a canvas bass, a hacksaw , a hank of hemp, blow lamp and tallow moleskin flux rag , and if you were affluent a Gilmor pipe bender. No body pinched that.
The secondary doors are a great idea, and sure will make the vehicle very secure, but I assume they will add around 180kgs in weight and obviously a big inconvenience to the van owner ( I must go in and out of the back of my van 30-50 times per day), and often need to close, lock the van one handed. I repair windows, and if you look at the mechanics of a upvc window; similar principles could be applied to the existing doors of our vans. When a window is closed, pins on the hinge side locate into 'keeps' to locate the window and stop it being levered open. On the lock side, a single gearbox operates both locking pins on either side, a shoot bolt and mushrooms along the edge that locate into keeps. This 'technology' costs about £40 per window and weight is negligible. This 'upvc window technology' could be scaled up to secure both existing sliding side doors and rear barn doors to resolve the 'peel and steal' most common theft methods. It would also be lighter (important for mpg), cheaper to manufacture and less inconvenient for the van user. Obviously some basic re-enforcement around the vulnerable door panels (stainless steel plate bonded to the inside?) could be added in conjunction with this to prevent other theft methods where the lock mechanism is attacked by drilling holes.
Nice video, glad things are going in the right direction , Not sure if its already been mentioned, The cables hanging between the van and the nearside rear door are a weak point, they get cut and all of the doors will unlock, A friendly police forensic officer informed me of this, not sure if its something that's already been tackled just thought it worth mentioning , keep up the good work
I think your policeman has got that wrong, I think that if the wire is cut the door will neither lock nor unlock. Ask a mechanic, they'll know for sure.
Any idea of extra security to a work van is great news to me as I just had my side door peeled open and over 4grands worth of tools stolen. Wankers fucked my Christmas right up.
My old hightop LDV Convoy has an extra catch at the top of the back door, operated by the same mechanism as the main catch. I'm sure that would defeat 'peeling' the door or at least require time & noisy tools to get past it. (Obviously it's old & the lock is probably easy to pick but you get the point).
This is a great idea. I would love for RV manufacturer to do things like this too. Just like trade vans RVs have a lot of valuable and get broken into.
Nice to see there slowly looking at doing something about the weak points of the van . But if your parked in a car park with cars parked along side you your never get in the additional security door open , may be some sort of roller doors might be the answer?
Fantastic. Will take a long time to get through and Defo buys you an additional few mins while the alarm is sounding, that’s enough for you to get outside.
Unfortunately where I live, the little scum bags use cordless angle grinders, so latticework structure would be no problem for them…..I’d much prefer to have the reinforced door plates over the locks and top grade Thatcham alarm fitted as standard
The second door is irrelevant, we need a deterrent locking system on the load doors that prevents a criminal even contemplating trying. A) has to be a remote system completely separate from the vans alarm/immobiliser. B) think of a bank safe with 4 dead bolts all engaged in their holes(van body) on each side of the doors. C) Has to be electric/Magnet as much as possible ruling out the cables that can be easily pulled once a hole has been ripped into the door etc.
to be honest there is such an incredible amount of vehicle theft nobody does anything about it, the police dont even investigate or try to recover the stolen tools. i wish manufactures would offer security packages like what your describing though.
If I had one of these vans I would want the criminals to know before they even consider touching it. Could save the hassle of repairing doors or other damage. Some sort of specific logo or something identifying the security your van has. They might see this and move on elsewhere straight away and avoid the hassle.
On the weak points on the doors where they pealing the door back could they not fit some sort of strong 12v magnetic locks at that point like they fit on security gates that are part of the alarm system and like you said reinforcing at the back of the drill points
I think the cage is pointless.. the van doors/roof should be better reinforced with deadlocks etc. It should be fitted with a better alarm system.. maybe something that connects to an app on your phone and or Amazon Alexa in your house which goes off after prolonged contact with the van and cannot be silenced. Also maybe some sort of motion sensor which can be switched on manually that detects and alerts if someone is hovering round the van. Wether this is possible I don’t know..
Drill 2 holes top and bottom of the second back door with 40mm hole cutter and pull internal door internal bolts and you can pull doors open with a help of bar/tool.
Trafic side door weak spot is actually to the rear of the side loading door just below half way point. That’s were the buggers drilled mine. Since bought steal plates for side and rear doors.
It's great but it seems like they have overlooked completely the security flaws that are standard with these vehicles to try and make more money through optional security options. I wonder if roger from skill builder has seen your video with all the work he has been doing regarding tool theft. Thanks for doing what you're doing👍
Hey Pete, are you sure they didn't show you a prisoner transport vehicle instead of a workmans van?? 😉 To bad we have to resort to this to keep our tools and equiment and thus our means of income secure.
Some great ideas here but surely having a secure vehicle that prevents attempted break ins should be considered at the design stage and not be a retrofit option. Manufacturers must try harder at the design stage. Let's get some opportunistic criminals with criminal thinking and criminal ways involved at the design stage. They might have better ideas on how to combat van theft, because they are masters at it, than a design school graduate. Accept its a bit left field but worth considering?? You are doing some great work Pete. Enjoy the festive break.
What about protection on the other side without the door? Much the same as your comments about the roof another system I’ve seen has all round protection but props to the manufacturer for looking into this and taking your comments on board
I like it, but I don't think I could justify the cost as they will just cut through the back quarter panel or the roof. Depends how determined they at getting the contents. You be better getting a metal cabinet made to put your tools in or getting van vault type units. Vans need to be made allot stronger and there needs to be bigger consequences for people caught stealing. The police need to stand up and do something to show that their onboard. They quick enough if you happend to forget to tax your vehicle or mot it.
Really good video , I think thou they should really enforce the regular doors & try to put off the thieve by the appearance of the van from the outside. Show that’s it’s not going to be that easy to break into - the issue is they will still ruin the doors before not getting any further - replacement doors aren’t cheap & neither is an insurance claim. Of course still better then losing tools as well however deadlocks for me is a must. They should be fitted as standard on all work vans
realistically i would keep them unlocked during the day and just rely on the powered locks while im working. I would 100 percent use them while the van sits overnight though, thats usually when theft happens. Ive been completely cleaned out twice and both times it was between midnight and 6AM
The modifications you suggest to the side and rear door are really good. I would suggest that those modifications need to be somewhat evident from the outside of the van. The sight of those features might be enough to put them off before they even attempt to break in.
The finish on that inner cage is shocking, rough AF welds and grind marks everywhere. Even the perspex is poorly cut and fitted. If this is a display model, I shudder to think what the quality will be like on the vans rolled out to paying customers. That said, I am not a fan of this idea full stop. I would much rather manufacturers reinforced the existing doors & locks on their vans. Love the videos PB, keep up the great work 👍
Pete, Save some coin and buy a 2nd hand police van with the prisoner cage still in it haha
@TheEternalPonderer must depend on region. Any police auction I have been to still had the cages. Only things removed were the light bars and loud speaker for the sirens.
I thought you were talking to me man! I came across some used boarder patrol detaining boxes at a scrap yard that would fit nicely on one ton chassis that were air conditioned and very secure.
@@hammy1988 ironically they give those away to mechanics in northern bc sometimes and they really shouldnt LOL
@TheEternalPonderer it's scotland I'm in too. The auction in Glasgow leave them in lol.
Ex securicor type van.no entry.
Ah great, keyless ignition… so they’ll just steal the whole van now instead of breaking in…
you would need to add an alarm system on top of the armour cage, something that prevents the engine from starting
ha ha fact
Will need a ghost alarm fitted
Look up the tool called "flipper pro"... 🤷🤦
@@Aidan-LM02 what do you mean by ghost alarm?
I think any security fitted should be visible from the outside as a deterrent. Paying for new doors paint work and the sign writing all while hiring another van is probably more expensive than this kit. I think this will be suitable more for locksmiths, nice to see some thought into it though. Deadlocks and the stainless steel plates covering the weak spots gets my vote as standard. Even with the higher price it’s worth it.
Can be a Deterrent or Attraction, the bad guy can look at that and think it's not worth it OR can think since have all that security they have something worth stealing
@@Greenberet.If visible deterrents are factory fit and with time become more common place that negates this downside.
@ Rob Smith - Agree with that too ! May as well have a jailers van (Securicor) van and a big key ring and chain with all this heavy keys.
Frankly Pete as an ex motor tech. I would be tempted to do this myself.
Some angle steel for the frame work and the up and cross steel. No perspex needed I feel.
For anyone else not wanting to, I don't think£2700 is too much for a manufacture to absorb. Even if they halved that to get the sale they they would sell many more.
Immobilisation of the wheels if triggered would be good.
If they can't get in it they may just tow it.
A reverse ABS that locks the wheels on activation.
Many of these things together with your excellent ideas could be implemented quite cheaply at build with little extra tooling.
I'm sure many fabricators could do this at a cheaper price also.
id rather not display the security system, better to blend in with other vans
I totally agree with everything you’ve said. And the internal doors are a great job.
And here’s the but!!
£3k for internal security is a piss take because they already know the £30,000 van security straight from the factory is that 💩 that they now offer “additional” security.
It’s about high time the manufacturers were held responsible for such crap security. Granted there’s not that much can be done against a grinder but you can get into these vans with your bare hands ffs that in my eyes is unacceptable. And at a push a flat head screwdriver 🪛 😡 sorry rant over 😂
Ford transit vans are horrendous, there is a fatal flaw in that all of the cargo locks are linked to the cab door handles. They smashed the glass and just pulled the handle inside the cab and it releases all of the power locks in the cargo area.
Thing is so many people with a van don't need extra security. Delivery vans are empty at night, people like florists and bakers don't carry high value items. These people will want the lighter van for MPG and the lower cost. Technically it makes sense to upgrade if you carry high value items, like you would a house or a lockup.
As a joiner, (and hence a huge risk of getting tools stolen as joiners tools cost the most), I got a heavy duty steel tool safe inside my van that is big enough to carry all tools that I have for any given day. I then lined it with 20 mm ply bolted to the tool safe. As well as the shielded padlocks on the tool safe, I designed and made a hidden lock system that means if they did get past the padlocks the toolsafe still wont open. The plywood was because it slows down the prevalent battery grinders and just makes them burn. It might seem like a bit overboard but its almost impossible to get tool insurance to actually pay out,( most want receipts and some of my tools I have had for 35 years).
@@anthonypilgrim3593 it seems you’ve totally missed the point here Anthony, it shouldn’t matter if you are a florists or a tradesman, when you spend £30k plus on a vehicle the security should have a certain standard. Door folding has been going on for 20+ years and a lot of these vans can have the side/rear door folded with bare hands, that is completely unacceptable. You mentioned weight for mpg, but an additional 20-30kg of decent grade steel in the weak areas would rectify these weaknesses. Why should a tradesman, florists, delivery companies not have these built into the £30k+ vans?? People have been buying van vaults for years because of these weaknesses.
@@paulthompson5416spot on. That goes to all car and van manufacturers. They’re pumping out over priced vehicles that aren’t worthy what they charge from day one. They won’t even supply a simple Foot well Matt in the price of a new vehicle. Yet tyoubtake it back a year later to the same dealer and it’s worth fuck all to them 🤔 high time manufacturers were made to sell at the right price and service their own vehicles instead of the crap dealerships we currently have who don’t care.
This just honestly boggles my mind what you guys go through. I live in Canada, I constantly forget to lock my work van at night. During the day on most general site the vans always unlocked with the keys in it. This kind of theft isn’t herd of in my area
It’s a sad reality here
@@callaws1274 perhaps if caravans were outlawed then tools, plant, catalytic converters and copper product thefts would be virtually eliminated.
Clearly Canada still has moral people living their
Where in Canada is that ? I want to emigrate there now and to leave this hell of a place
As a nation we might be advancing in technology but unfortunately technology doesn't solve the morality issue of society. I was in UAE on holiday and people left their phones on charge in random places and no one dare touch anyone's property. Can't do that here in the UK. I concur that this is not an issue even in places like Calgary in Canada as I have been on vacations there and it's pretty safe.
I love this, there's only so much equipment you can fit inside a van vault but this keeps everything safe! I've been done 6 times in 15 years. It's nice to see manufacturers thinking about trades people and taking this seriously. Thanks for sharing Pete :)
Quality work using your platform to help us all Pete keep it up! This could get alot of people looking at choosing a Trafic as their next van 👏🏼🙌🏼🤝
As long as there is a market for 2nd hand tools , Ebay / car boot markets etc this will never stop and this includes other country’s as well as a lot of stolen tools end up overseas...
A simple suggestion and something I have looked at is solenoid locking pins on the doors that fire into the main van frame, activated by your central locking, so side door would be a reinforced brace at top to stop peeling back but with two location solenoids that lock vertically into roof line, back doors similar on the vertical but also a top and bottom side solenoid that locks into each door.
I have done this to my van
Thanks Pete, I like the ideas that you have suggested to improve the prototype, perhaps reinforcing the side panels and roof would also be prudent as I've seen photos online where they cut a hole in the panel and gain access and personally I would like to see reinforcement to the cockpit locks and perhaps a randomly generated code key for the ignition (facial recognition Technology) making it difficult to steal the van and it's contents combined. Thanks again for highlighting this sore topic and I'd like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and New Year!
I can't imagine the manufacturers would be that bothered about the users. I bet they make millions per year in parts etc from the damage caused from break ins
Keeps the team at Sussex installations busy 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
Jeff at Sussex installations is the van security advisor 👍🏿👍🏿 get him on board pb 😀
Like many have said already, prevention is preferable. If the thief is aware of the added security measures in place, they are less likely to try and break in. I agree with you Pete, the weak areas need reinforcing and then something on the van that eludes to the added security installed. A recognizable logo backed up with an advertising campaign so the thieves don't bother trying.
A great result. The basics as you said with the doors being reinforced and deadbolts as standard would cut the issue down. Considering a traffic for the next van as they’re listening to feed back. It’ll never be perfect but the effort goes a long way
I think all the ideas are spot on with the lock and adding steel plates behind, with the door bending on the top right should make it a hook mechanism like the door handle so when pull that it open the top as well, and with the cage doors on the inside they’re brilliant and to stop them coming through the roof why not ply line the inside or use the same metal in the cages door in the roof lining stops the thieves dropping in, I’ve had my van broken into twice in 2 month nothing done about seeing this and these options being put on it I will definitely change to this van if the price is right 👍👍
Spot on with your suggestions. I would suggest an internal pir sensor in the back linked to the alarm. So if they get in then the alarm goes off
Great video. The only issue I have with this is that there's nothing on the outside of the van to deter a scumbag from trying to get it...
Like you say they'll knacker the door (which will still put you out of action while you get it fixed).
Metal struts preventing the peeling of the doors is great, but what's needed in addition to those suggestions is to make it obvious to scumbags that your van has these measure in place.....which may prevent any attempt by all but the most determined scumbag from having a pop to begin with.
Fantastic video Deadlocks on the side loading door and back door and an alarm is a minimum that should be fitted as standard not as an option
They'll just go in through the roof instead, especially when they learn more people are using these cages. I've seen loads of videos and pictures of them going through the roof now, so this won't stop them at all, also with van weight loads already being fairly low how much more weight does this add?
This is definitely a step in the right direction but certainly not there yet.
I've seen the deadlocks that are built into the locking system which should come as standard not sure if these are the ones you meant or if you meant the key turn locks. Those key turn locks stand out to thieves and they know you're trying to protect something and they can get through them within 5 seconds I think I saw?
Thanks for keeping us updated on this, I don't know if you've seen but skill builder also released a video recently about van security
Thank you for continuing to champion this ongoing and important issue, Pete. I agree with some other comments: anti lock tampering should be visible to help deter scumbags in the first place. There should be different levels of security protection. Known weak points must be addressed in design and from the factory. Thats a no brainer. Additional visible deadlocks then might level 1 you the cage could be a level 3 protection etc. If you have the cage, perhaps there should be some sort visable badge to help inform/warn thefts that there's no point trying to break in in the first place! Hope this helps? Merry Xmas and a Happy New year
adding an integrated roof rack that's heavy duty steel will make it harder to get through the roof and be useful to trades.
Id love to see factory fitted deadlocks too, its a good initial deterrent that'll help stop the van being damaged at all.
a factory tracker would be great as well and rear door alarm.
a van with all that would be on the top of my list, it'd even pull me away from Ford who I've bought vans from for years.
Nearly all the new customs I've seen leaving local dealership have had deadlocks on. Don't know if Ford are addressing the issue direct, or the dealership has
Vans don't have rear door alarms? That's crazy.
The only thing that come to mind is the Perspex should be opaque, as if the thief gets past the outer door, they can't see what's inside. possibly a bit more deterrent. well done Pete keep up the good work
A can of black spray paint solves that issue. It should come shipped black I agree though.
Step in the right direction thanks PB for the show around
As a locksmith I know that the weakest point on the secondary cage is the locks used on those doors, with a shim key it will bypass the warding on that cheap lock. Why don’t they use the high security Euro locks used on a lot of doors on the continent. Another issue is that with portable right angle grinders they can cut through the metal around the lock. They should use a reinforcement plate of AR500 steel which is used on bullet proof vests against high power rounds. It also takes time to grind through this type of steel. Don’t know about the laws over your way but there is an American company that has pepper spray traps that will empty a can of pepper spray on the perp. They make a manual trip unit as well as several electronic dispensers. Alarms help but I have supplemented the speaker with a Federal Signal PA300 police siren. One speaker inside the tool compartment and one behind the front grille. This can shatter a perps eardrums as well as gain attention to anyone nearby. There is no trouble in installing it so it cannot be activated from within the cab to keep the local doughnut eaters happy.
Firstly I’d like to thank the van company for getting on board. And actually listening.👏🏻👏🏻As someone who got his tools stolen is not somewhere I’d like to go again. Instead of an inside door would it be possible to put enough steed on the exterior doors without having to have an inside door. Upgrade hinges, a better alarm system, maybe also a kill switch so if they steal the van that it’s fuel cuts out after a few seconds. Once again thanks for listening as I thought our argument was falling on deaf ears👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Very nice video thanks for show casing this
Couldn't agree more with your suggested upgrades.
As some what of a hobby lock picker myself I'd be very interested to test the integrity of the locking mechanism fitted to the cage against a lock picker with any level of experience as it doesn't look amazing on here !
Some good points you raised about weak spots. I think a big part of deterring thieves is making it less attractive rather than 'harder' to break into. For example you could install a motion sensing flood light on your house if the van is parked on the drive so it illuminates the area if someone walks onto your driveway. Make sure your house/driveway is visible from the street. So if you have tall hedges around your property that can provide cover for a thief, it can afford them more time before being noticed. Having security cameras and other anti theft measures on your property, is telling a thief that you are taking measures to make it difficult for them.
That just makes it easier for the thrives to see! Doesn't deter them!
@@stuartcraigon2003 If the lamp(s) are carefully placed there will be shadow where they're trying to work but their faces will be lit for cameras & for neighbours phoning the Police.
@@alanhat5252 fair point.
Well done pete 👏👏for raising this van tool theft issue..well done Renault first company to do something about it..👏👏👏 ..deadlocks top and bottom of each side and back door a factory fit must...and alarm.....had them fitted to my 65 reg traffic ...
Great to see them trying, I just put deadlocks on mine and a really good alarm, alarm allows me to track the Van, has shock sensors,has a sensor that constantly measures the volume of the rear load space so if you manage to get in through the roof or side without setting off the shock sensors it goes off, sends a text to my phone, I agree the doors need better protection, probably causes an issue with their crash testing though as they are available in crew/mini bus variant
I know one thing for sure with that traffic definitely worth getting the Reinforced PVC Chrome Mirror Covers as that left mirror with the indicators on is definitely gonna cost a ton to replace. Great video!! ❤
There is little to no consequence for this kind of crime. Caught trying to steal tools out of van, off with your hand!
Well done mate. Keep up the good work. These optional doors look great, but we all know that the main problem is the standard vans from all manufacturers are not fit for purpose when they come to security. It blows my mind that when you buy a 30k van, you then need to go and pay a separate company to fit dead locks and armour plates, etc... it really is a joke. Adding keyless start??? 🤯
You can pay £100k for a car and it can be broken in to in seconds !!
Great video Pete, as you said definitely a step in the right direction. What gets me though is why you’ve had to point out all the weak points and make suggestions to them. Surely they are fully aware of this ? The internet is flooded with info on the matter, us tradesman are all aware of it and so are the thieves, so how can the manufacturers not be ? Do they not do any research on their products ?
Great effort and it’s a good step in the right direction. I think a vibration sensor to trip alarm as soon as someone attempts to drill or cut
Wow Nice!!! Wish Renault was still in Canada. I really like the fact that its a manual transmission.
This cage looks like a aftermarket retrofit idea - its like they’ve taken a van off the line & said ‘what can you do to make this more secure?’
Ideally these security features should be built in at the design level of the vehicle
They've added the doors that they fit to police vans. Pretty sure you could pick some up from any 2017 or older ex police vivaro for a hell of a lot less than 3k
@@c00sto bingo! That's EXACTLY what these doors are.
Absolutely fantastic I wish I had a van like this. My tools got stolen worth around £6000 this month and I'm stuck this Christmas without work and lost the jobs I started I'm bloody stressed out
Takes a special type of scumbag breed to knowingly rob someone's tools. They are perfectly capable of going out and working if they are capable of breaking into vans. The sad thing is they are knowingly taking a person's means of earnings people have families to feed bills to pay etc and these low life ass wipe scumbags steal another hard working man's earnings, go and get a job like real men do. Hope your situation improves all the best.
Happy Christmas PB - You've earned a break
I saw someone many years ago put a layer of the same stuff tree surgeons wear, between 2 thin sheets of metal, if the grinder touches it, it just wraps around the blade and wrecks the grinder, you virtually had to destroy the grinder to remove it. At least this way you would only have to fix a minor slice and not the whole door
If the doors become a strong point, they will just jigsaw through the sides or roof. Granted jigging a hole in the roof will take a little longer but probably still less than 40 seconds.
My thoughts are to reinforce the doors and put a resin type stringy fibre so that if blades are used, it strangles said blade.
I had a van with a after market cage fitted on the side and back doors it was a right pain in the arse when your in and out getting tools fittings ect out all day
Not ideal if you are also collecting materials
Regarding the new internal fitted security door, I'm just wondering how much that will impact accessablity? With being a plumber too, can you easily move a bath, long radiators, boilers ect without damaging them, as the new security doors open the oppersit way to the sliding van door? That's before you add in a raised floor fitted too? I like the idea, just questioning accessablity 👀😅
I was one of the first to start campaigning against tool theft. ( Tool Crime Deserves Time ). As part of my campaign I actually designed this security door & approached every van manufacturer and not one of them were interested. Vauxhall actually admitted that if they accepted my design they would be liable for admitting that the existing security on their vans was not fit for purpose 🤷♂️.. Great to see something is eventually being done. We had another one of our vans done over only last week 😠
You are joking - Drill the 6 pop rivets holding the hinge on and ya in! Will add an extra 50 seconds to a break in
Fantastic idea! Definitely a step in the right direction. If it’s not financially viable for the manufacturer to add plates, deadlocks etc as standard then they could make it an optional extra.
i would gladly pay more from the dealer to get a armored cage in the back, ive been completely cleaned out twice and its incredibly painful.
Love this but couldn’t live with that interior , hopefully vw or Merc make a version of this
Great idea! And defo a step in the right direction…However my only concern with it, as with anything more secured on the van is if thieves know they can’t get in the van while your not there they will just wait until we are at the van and then get what they want, putting us in more danger…there’s no solution to this other than having to look over your shoulder more I would say 🤷♂️
That's what I'm thinking, what will they not do?
Friend did something similar to his van. It stopped them getting in... Until they took the angle grinder to the roof and peeled it back like a sardine can.
It’s a start Pete. 👍. Must admit those internal doors need to be a bit more easier to unlock than getting a key every time . Maybe a separate fob or something but may but another £500 on it 😂
The internal cage is a good idea as an extra barrier. But I'd resent paying an extra £2-2.5k because the manufacturers have never bothered to address design flaws. So like you've suggested, manufacturers should be adding reinforcing as standard and improving the quality of the locks fitted.
My old boss had a Ford years back that had such a worn out key he could open his mates vans with it..
Why not have clear window in side and back doors so that thieves can see there is a cage fitted,
Lee.
This should be considered seriously! Thanks for the video!❤
If losing 30mm in would they supply the floor level to be flush with the van vault doors or have lip under the finish floor. 2nd thing racking now some people like the doors for big wipes and hose holders is there something that could be extra to have on the doors without making it weak or would we have to think about reducing space and place the items somewhere else?
Great video and fantastic to have options to secure our stuff. Having recently had a van done the weak spots definitely need improving.
All I would say is criminals will learn and develop techniques to get around this. Most are very organised and don't care about noise.
Most likely they would cut the back end of the side panel and peel it open. Or go through the roof. We had a van done through the roof 3 or 4 years ago.
We will also see an increase in whole vehicle theft or physically waiting for us and taking keys etc.
These things might deter a small % away which is a good thing. But ultimately the fix isn't with the vehicles. It's in the justice and policing system. Longer sentences and enforcement by the police.
We have taken the opposite approach and make the vehicles as easy as possible to access. Removing tools and equipment in full. It works for us but won't work for everyone based on trade. Now we are left with just the costs to repair single panels/doors.
Sad isn't it when you sit and think.
I agree law enforcement & sentencing is the way to go.
I've always thought mag locks would be a good idea. Something like a secondary battery in the back of the van and still fed off of the alternator. Put them in multiple locations around the doors to prevent/reduce doors from being peeled
Definitely, there's a guy in Bristol who supplies and fits internal deadbolts with a remote,, on the weak points of cargo doors,, better in my opinion because if the thieving scum can see your security locks outside, they will just cut a panel out,, I've recently fitted a rooflight for a camper conversion, as an experiment, i cut the hole out with battery multi tool, citreon van, i reckon if i didn't want it neat, a good tin opener would have done
@@DaveGreeneramblingcarpenter I have a citroen dispatch. I know what you mean about the metal work. Pizza slicer would probably get through mine 😄
I made bolts for my van and wired on central locking fob so nothing is show on outside
Firstly, thank you for the effort you’re putting in on this subject, it’s much appreciated by us all I’m sure.
It’s a good starting point but during a busy day when you’re in and out of the van constantly I’d quickly become annoyed with the extra doors to constantly deal with.
How about some heavy duty roller shutter type things that can be stowed up in the roof when not required?
Deadlocks, extra plates around the locks etc should have been implemented years ago there’s enough third party companies already doing it along with internal van vaults etc.
And the police should be held more accountable for the lack of interest shown.
I think it was New York had a "broken windows policy" where Police prioritized minor crimes, it worked, _all_ crime went down significantly. Magistrates have to be part of it, there's no point catching them if they're going to be let off with a pocket-change fine.
Whilst is a great option for added security it doesn't fix the first issue of getting through the standard fitted doors.
Wouldn't take much to have a shaped plate of either stainless or carbide steel bonded to the door panel protecting the lock actuator points.
A double rib in the door frame would stiffen the doors with minimal cost or weight increase.
Pre made recesses for euro style deadlocks. (not an instant investment return for the manufacturer but makes the vehicle just tip the scale when it comes to the choice between manufacturers)
Bolt in stiffeners for the (window) panels, so they can't just hack into the single skin area and peel open. How much realistically would it cost to put some threaded bolt points around the windows so you could bolt in a second skin or rack or any optional extra.
Then there is the basics that all cars have, a decent category alarm with immobiliser, deadlocking door locks, single door unlocking and relocking on close.
fit a second sounder in the cab and in the load area, (I had this with an alarm years ago in my van and when it got broken into it was so loud in the cab they couldn't think to be able to steal anything and left it).
Nothing wrong with an ignition key, keyless is nice but if high end cars can't get it sorted then vans will become an easy target, just don't put key locks on the load area doors use central remote locking, (keep it to one door for emergency entry and ignition).
Great initiative
Gave you a like just for the fact that Renault did this in the first place 🙂
Evening Pete, a great idea from the manufacturer and a step in the right direction. Does the side security door when opening not restricting you when parked along side other vehicles because it opens outwards and also would the lock ever fail and you then can’t access the door. But yeah I like the idea. Any extra security is a bonus 👍
Thought exactly the same. Or even just get in peoples way opened onto a path- and no chance if opening onto a road.
And won't most tradesmen get fed up having to open another set of doors every time they want to grab a tool etc?
Personally I'd think that you'd be better off with Chubb/dead locks fitted to the vehicle's doors.
@@steveclark.. a piece of 1" angle iron screwed to the top of the left side of the sliding door overlapping the frame & a Yale lock on the right would deal with most thieves trying to peel the door down.
@@alanhat5252 Yes, great idea, fairly cheap too.
Great van. Only thing I would think of would be advertising what’s inside so can see what you have. So might deter them before starting on it. As for price yeah a bit dear but when coming to sell I think would increase value especially for people who are starting out and can’t afford a new van. A alarm itself is good really. Really great got in touch with you too in my eyes for review. Great job 👍👍👍
I was wondering if some small patches of fabric that Shreddes and causes saw blades to jam only under the van skin in area where they might cut in only cause it could he a cheap easily placed and not much weigh add nor much cost which fabric im not sure youd have to look into that
The door security plates that you mention could be added at the factory for penny's with modern body glue they would not even have to be welded - the anti peel device would only require a bit of box steel put in the door sub frame - again penny's
As someome mentioned earlier a visual deterent is needed also
I built a cage for the back of a van years ago - after having a vehicle stolen (I became paranoid and went OTT on security) YES I did loose space in the back but knowing that I could park it anywhere ( if working away ) was a good compramise on the space lost
If you find a local welder / fabricator they can custon make a cage for the back of a van - for a fraction of the manufactures factory job and can custom make it to your spec
It is a discrace that van companys KNOW the weak spots and do NOTHING about it - look at the "new transit" a week after launch the faults were flagged up and they are STILL making it !!
Thanks for driving this PB, our industries need more support from these manufactures from the toe rags out there stealing tools
Keep it simple - just use a van vault bolted through the floor of the van and leave all the doors open.
Even with this set up the damage they will do to the vehicle trying to get in will negate any benefit.
I know this is a difficult one , but try to limit the amount of tools you take on a job - there are far too many folk fitting out their vans like a Snap-on
Truck .
Memories of a canvas bass, a hacksaw , a hank of hemp, blow lamp and tallow moleskin flux rag , and if you were affluent a Gilmor pipe bender.
No body pinched that.
The secondary doors are a great idea, and sure will make the vehicle very secure, but I assume they will add around 180kgs in weight and obviously a big inconvenience to the van owner ( I must go in and out of the back of my van 30-50 times per day), and often need to close, lock the van one handed.
I repair windows, and if you look at the mechanics of a upvc window; similar principles could be applied to the existing doors of our vans. When a window is closed, pins on the hinge side locate into 'keeps' to locate the window and stop it being levered open. On the lock side, a single gearbox operates both locking pins on either side, a shoot bolt and mushrooms along the edge that locate into keeps. This 'technology' costs about £40 per window and weight is negligible.
This 'upvc window technology' could be scaled up to secure both existing sliding side doors and rear barn doors to resolve the 'peel and steal' most common theft methods. It would also be lighter (important for mpg), cheaper to manufacture and less inconvenient for the van user. Obviously some basic re-enforcement around the vulnerable door panels (stainless steel plate bonded to the inside?) could be added in conjunction with this to prevent other theft methods where the lock mechanism is attacked by drilling holes.
Good to see van security being taken seriously lost too many tools over the years
Nice video, glad things are going in the right direction , Not sure if its already been mentioned, The cables hanging between the van and the nearside rear door are a weak point, they get cut and all of the doors will unlock, A friendly police forensic officer informed me of this, not sure if its something that's already been tackled just thought it worth mentioning , keep up the good work
I think your policeman has got that wrong, I think that if the wire is cut the door will neither lock nor unlock. Ask a mechanic, they'll know for sure.
Any idea of extra security to a work van is great news to me as I just had my side door peeled open and over 4grands worth of tools stolen. Wankers fucked my Christmas right up.
Hi Pete. I like the work trousers you where. Skinny bottom. Where did you get them from.
Once they've found the security doors, they'll use their cordless grinder to open up the roof.
tear gas and acid spray that goes off when there's a break in
My old hightop LDV Convoy has an extra catch at the top of the back door, operated by the same mechanism as the main catch. I'm sure that would defeat 'peeling' the door or at least require time & noisy tools to get past it. (Obviously it's old & the lock is probably easy to pick but you get the point).
This is a great idea. I would love for RV manufacturer to do things like this too. Just like trade vans RVs have a lot of valuable and get broken into.
Nice to see there slowly looking at doing something about the weak points of the van . But if your parked in a car park with cars parked along side you your never get in the additional security door open , may be some sort of roller doors might be the answer?
Fantastic. Will take a long time to get through and Defo buys you an additional few mins while the alarm is sounding, that’s enough for you to get outside.
Unfortunately where I live, the little scum bags use cordless angle grinders, so latticework structure would be no problem for them…..I’d much prefer to have the reinforced door plates over the locks and top grade Thatcham alarm fitted as standard
The second door is irrelevant, we need a deterrent locking system on the load doors that prevents a criminal even contemplating trying.
A) has to be a remote system completely separate from the vans alarm/immobiliser.
B) think of a bank safe with 4 dead bolts all engaged in their holes(van body) on each side of the doors.
C) Has to be electric/Magnet as much as possible ruling out the cables that can be easily pulled once a hole has been ripped into the door etc.
to be honest there is such an incredible amount of vehicle theft nobody does anything about it, the police dont even investigate or try to recover the stolen tools. i wish manufactures would offer security packages like what your describing though.
If I had one of these vans I would want the criminals to know before they even consider touching it. Could save the hassle of repairing doors or other damage. Some sort of specific logo or something identifying the security your van has. They might see this and move on elsewhere straight away and avoid the hassle.
Or they might think it's worth the hassle and put a knife to your throat 🤷🏻♂️
On the weak points on the doors where they pealing the door back could they not fit some sort of strong 12v magnetic locks at that point like they fit on security gates that are part of the alarm system and like you said reinforcing at the back of the drill points
I think the cage is pointless.. the van doors/roof should be better reinforced with deadlocks etc. It should be fitted with a better alarm system.. maybe something that connects to an app on your phone and or Amazon Alexa in your house which goes off after prolonged contact with the van and cannot be silenced. Also maybe some sort of motion sensor which can be switched on manually that detects and alerts if someone is hovering round the van. Wether this is possible I don’t know..
Drill 2 holes top and bottom of the second back door with 40mm hole cutter and pull internal door internal bolts and you can pull doors open with a help of bar/tool.
Trafic side door weak spot is actually to the rear of the side loading door just below half way point.
That’s were the buggers drilled mine. Since bought steal plates for side and rear doors.
It's great but it seems like they have overlooked completely the security flaws that are standard with these vehicles to try and make more money through optional security options. I wonder if roger from skill builder has seen your video with all the work he has been doing regarding tool theft. Thanks for doing what you're doing👍
Hey Pete, are you sure they didn't show you a prisoner transport vehicle instead of a workmans van?? 😉 To bad we have to resort to this to keep our tools and equiment and thus our means of income secure.
Some great ideas here but surely having a secure vehicle that prevents attempted break ins should be considered at the design stage and not be a retrofit option. Manufacturers must try harder at the design stage. Let's get some opportunistic criminals with criminal thinking and criminal ways involved at the design stage. They might have better ideas on how to combat van theft, because they are masters at it, than a design school graduate. Accept its a bit left field but worth considering?? You are doing some great work Pete. Enjoy the festive break.
What about protection on the other side without the door? Much the same as your comments about the roof another system I’ve seen has all round protection but props to the manufacturer for looking into this and taking your comments on board
I like it, but I don't think I could justify the cost as they will just cut through the back quarter panel or the roof. Depends how determined they at getting the contents. You be better getting a metal cabinet made to put your tools in or getting van vault type units. Vans need to be made allot stronger and there needs to be bigger consequences for people caught stealing. The police need to stand up and do something to show that their onboard. They quick enough if you happend to forget to tax your vehicle or mot it.
Really good video , I think thou they should really enforce the regular doors & try to put off the thieve by the appearance of the van from the outside. Show that’s it’s not going to be that easy to break into - the issue is they will still ruin the doors before not getting any further - replacement doors aren’t cheap & neither is an insurance claim. Of course still better then losing tools as well however deadlocks for me is a must. They should be fitted as standard on all work vans
Could you get a hydraulic spreader between the door and the keep?using hardened steel on the inside of the vulnerable door areas.
I think a hook bolt or multi point system would do better against crow bars personally. Constructive criticism.
Locking picking lawyer would have that open in seconds!
Id be sick of opening those doors each time you want to get something out the van
realistically i would keep them unlocked during the day and just rely on the powered locks while im working. I would 100 percent use them while the van sits overnight though, thats usually when theft happens. Ive been completely cleaned out twice and both times it was between midnight and 6AM
You’d be a lot sicker if your tools got stolen.
@@northernsupertramp7390 exactly
I lost all my tools a couple of weeks ago broad daylight outside the job I was on between 10-11 in the morning trust me its not just at night guys
@@jaycoleman9108 was your vehicle locked up?
The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire. 🤣🤣🤣 Joking no grinder needed. Tin snips FTW
I think what you said is right then doors are good idea but would drive me mad as I’m in and out of van a lot
This is great definitely a step in the right direction,
The modifications you suggest to the side and rear door are really good. I would suggest that those modifications need to be somewhat evident from the outside of the van. The sight of those features might be enough to put them off before they even attempt to break in.
Im happy to say im not aware of van theft or there contents here in N.Ireland.
Absolutely awsome sir
The finish on that inner cage is shocking, rough AF welds and grind marks everywhere. Even the perspex is poorly cut and fitted. If this is a display model, I shudder to think what the quality will be like on the vans rolled out to paying customers. That said, I am not a fan of this idea full stop. I would much rather manufacturers reinforced the existing doors & locks on their vans.
Love the videos PB, keep up the great work 👍