Van security explained
Van security locks that actually slow an attack
A plain-English guide to how van locks work, which ones matter for your van, and what to expect on fitting day.
Layers, not gadgets
Good van security is layered. The first layer is the door skin itself: reinforce it and it cannot be folded. The second is the lock: put a hardened bolt or hook through the frame and the door cannot be pulled. The third is the original hardware: shield it so a drill or screwdriver never reaches the mechanism.
Miss a layer and the others get bypassed. That is why we look at the whole door rather than selling one product for every van.
Insurance and evidence
Many insurers now ask what additional security is fitted, and some reduce premiums when approved locks are installed. We provide an itemised invoice listing exactly what was fitted and where, which is normally all an insurer needs.
The hardware
Van deadlocks
A separate, independently keyed lock through the door and frame. The simplest way to stop a door being pulled or peeled open.
Hook locks
A hardened hook that pulls the door tight into the body. Ideal for side and rear doors that are prised at the edge.
Slam handles
Lock and unlock with the handle rather than a key — the practical choice for multi-drop drivers.
Anti-peel kits
Steel plates that reinforce the door skin and edge so the panel cannot be folded back.
Lock shields
External guards that cover the original lock and handle area to defeat drilling and screwdriver attacks.
Repair plates
Fitted after a break-in to restore and strengthen a damaged door without replacing the panel.
Common questions
- Which door should I protect first?
- The nearside sliding door. It is out of sight from the pavement and is the most common entry point, closely followed by the rear doors.
- Will fitting extra locks invalidate my warranty?
- No. Locks are fitted to manufacturer-recommended positions and do not interfere with the vehicle's wiring or central locking.
- Can all the locks use one key?
- Yes. We can key everything alike so you carry a single extra key, or keep them separate if you prefer.
- How long does a fit take?
- A pair of deadlocks is typically 60 to 90 minutes. A full set with shields and anti-peel plates takes around half a day.
- Do you fit fleets?
- Regularly. We can work through several vans in a single visit and key the fleet to a scheme that suits how you operate.
- What about a van that has already been broken into?
- We fit repair plates that restore and reinforce the damaged area, then add locks so the same attack does not work twice.
Request a free quote
Send us a few details and we will come back with a fixed price. If it is urgent, calling is always quickest — we answer around the clock.
- Phone: 0800 998 9138
- Email: info@firstcall-locksmith.co.uk
- Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week