10 Van Hooklock Tricks All Experts Recommend

The Benefits of a Van Hook Lock
A van hook lock provides an extra layer of security to your commercial vehicle. They are installed to the door and connecting panel and use hook bolts that catches onto the bracket for receiving and makes them more resistant to prying or force.
They are independent of the manufacturer's locking system and are secured with high-security keys. They are perfect for owners-drivers and companies that rely on their vehicles.
Deadlocks
A van is often loaded with valuable tools, equipment and personal items. This makes a strong lock a necessity. Unfortunately, the opportunistic theft of these items is a regular occurrence which can lead to financial loss, damage to vans and even disruption of operations for those affected by the issue. It is essential to take the appropriate precautions regarding your van. This includes installing the highest quality security. A van deadlock is a mechanical lock that you purchase that operates independently of the locking system used by the manufacturer and allows a secure deadbolt to be inserted across the door and the body panel when locked with a an external key with high-security.
This lock is operated by an extended bolt that extends from the lock and locks into the door's frame when engaged. The bolt can't be punched or spiked into position and can't be opened by pulling the handle, like a standard OE locking system. This extra layer of security means that a criminal will require specialist tools and techniques in order to gain entry into a van, greatly increasing the time, effort, and the risk involved.
A van deadlock can be installed by a professional and is a useful complement to a vehicle's security features. It also acts as a visual deterrent and can help prevent van burglaries by making the vehicle less attractive to thieves. But, it's important to remember that, just like any other type of van security system deadlocks aren't immune to failure. It is susceptible to mechanical failures, and is susceptible to damage due to external factors like van vibration or heat, or even corrosion.
Another effective option for enhancing your van's security features is a slam lock. They function in a similar way to deadlocks in that they lock automatically when the doors close which is ideal for couriers or delivery drivers who frequently enter and leave their vehicles throughout the day. The only difference is that they are triggered by the door closing, so cannot be unlocked manually from the inside.
If you are looking for a more premium solution, a hook lock is available that offers the advantages of both deadlocks and slams. It functions in the same way as a traditional deadlock by throwing a hook style bolt into a receiving bracket, but it is also recognized by Sold Secure as Gold Standard and provides an additional level of protection against attack with hand tools or brute force.
Slam locks
Van slam locks, unlike deadlocks and other locking systems, lock the door of the vehicle as soon as it is shut. This stops the possibility of thefts. They are especially effective for multi-drop drivers, couriers and owners of high value loads and work independently from the locking system of the manufacturer. They come with shielding components to safeguard the wiring looms and door latch as well as the bodywork.
In addition to offering physical security, slam locks provide a visual warning. They are available for a wide range of commercial vehicles and include Citroen Berlingos, Ford Transits as well as Fiat Scudos, Iveco Dailys and Man TGE vans. van hooklocks fit in the door pillars or connecting panel of your van and operate with an external key that is only used by the driver.
They offer a higher level of security than other van locks since they are invulnerable to peeling attacks - when the lock is taken off. They can be used together with a van alarm to enhance the overall security. They are great for delivery drivers, couriers, and tradesmen who may not be in their vans at all times.
Slam locks not only improve the security of your vehicle but they can also lower insurance costs. The reason for this is that insurance companies base their rates on the possibility of theft. If they think that your vehicle is more prone to being stolen, they will charge you more money for insurance.
The addition of a lock to your van is a good investment, especially in the event that you have expensive equipment inside it. Thieves may take advantage of a vehicle with catalytic convertors to take the metals. A van slamlock can stop thieves from removing a catalytic converter as it is not possible to open the doors of the van without the lock in place.
Both types of locks provide different levels of security. However, they are both ideal for those who spend a lot of time in vans. Both are able to be utilized together with an engine immobiliser and an alarm to assist in recovering stolen goods.
Hook locks
Van hook locks can be mounted on your vehicle's door to stop theft. They are not part of your vehicle's lock system and utilize a hook-type bolt that is secured to an receiving bracket. They are not susceptible to door spreading and offer an extra locking point that provides high security for your van. They can be fitted to various vans such as Citroen Berlingo, Fiat Scudo, Ford Connect, Mercedes Vito, Renault Trafic and Volkswagen Transporter. These locks are compatible with both rear and front loading doors. They can be accessed the same as the original cylinder keys.
They are a great choice for those who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles. They also help stop thieves from stealing by altering the risk-reward ratio of criminals. They can stop "Peel and steal" thefts by making it harder for thieves to remove goods from your van using force. They can also deter criminals from slamming the door of your load area to open the lock.
A disadvantage of van hook locks is that they could be a lot easier to open for thieves who are opportunistic. They can be opened using standard tools such as jamming devices and bolt croppers. They can be opened by removing the hook from the lock case and pulling out the bolt from the keep which allows the bolt to slide down to the door and connect to it. However you can stop them from doing so by putting an emergency release mechanism within the lock to prevent it from closing on the inside of the load compartment.
If you decide to install a van hook lock you must ensure that it's installed correctly and that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific type of vehicle. If you are unsure it is best to consult an experienced locksmith or van security expert to assist to install it correctly. When selecting the best lock for your van, you should consider a variety of factors, including the size and value of the goods that you transport. It is also important to consider how often you'll be away from your vehicle and whether or not you'll need to store valuables in it.
Statement locks
Despite the initial cost of security locks, they offer outstanding value for van owners in terms of asset protection as well as peace of mind and the potential for savings by reducing security and theft incidents. Understanding the benefits of a high-end electronic system that requires a code to unlock and a simple mechanical locking mechanism with hooks that are strong allows you to make a choice that is compatible with your budget and needs.
Furthermore, a range of other security options can help you enhance the protective capabilities of your van, including slamlocks that automatically lock doors that are opened during loading and prevent 'peel and steal' crimes. For couriers, these supplementary locks offer a visible deterrent that safeguards against the possibility of drivers not shutting and lock their doors after delivery or unloading, especially during busy working conditions.
Another option that is popular is a statement lock, that is attached externally to the door and is braced to the bodywork of the vehicle for greater security and a noticeable deterrent. These sturdy locks function independently of the locking system used by the manufacturer and are available to fit side, cab or rear doors. These locks are also an affordable replacement for deadlocks. They eliminate common weaknesses by strengthening the lock barrel.
Additionally, a variety of shielding solutions are available to safeguard internal locking mechanisms and wiring looms as also the handles of van's windows and doors. These parts can be damaged and taken away in the event of a burglary. The addition of them to the van offers an additional layer of protection. These solutions can be used to upgrade existing locks or be added to an aesthetically pleasing locking system on the door of the panel van and protect the entire bodywork. With this in mind, it's important to ensure your van's locks are maintained and installed by a seasoned professional. Contact the experts at Lockwell Van Security to learn more about the various ways in which we can enhance the security of your commercial vehicle. We have many years of experience fitting a variety of different types of van security locks.