LDS Van security company.

[Krazykate]

I'm adding security to my van. She's an older girl, '12 plate Citroen Relay PVC but in good nick with low miles so worth a certain amount of security pampering for peace of mind. I think none of us want excess damage or to lose our vans.
I'm not in a position to go bells and whistles but may travel abroad in the future and in the UK with and without my OH so need middle of the road options.
I've read thread upon thread but struggling to whittle down what I need.
So in the first instance was thinking deadlocks on all doors with or without proplates?? Have a quote from a national, mobile fitting company LDS van security.
Does anyone have experience with them? TIA

 

[fred_jb]

Deadlocks are the first security option we fitted to our van. We have since added other stuff, but it is still the deadlocks which give me the most peace of mind.

We took the the van to Tom Bowman, Master Locksmith, in Poole just before getting the ferry to France. He was very helpful in fitting the appointment in with our sailing date and was very professional, doing a great job on all four doors in his spotless workshop while we went to a nearby McDonalds for breakfast.

Maybe not as cheap as some but we were impressed with his business and his quality of workmanship, as well as the many positive online reviews.

 

[Jev88]

Kill switch on fuel pump was always my favourite.

 

[Brains]

I would suggest a simple 'baseball bat' type steering lock.
Like this one.
and unlike the arguably better steering wheel disk type locks, it easy to put on/take off and more importantly its easy to store

A hab door lock may persuade the "ne're do wells" to look elsewhere.
Same applies to ProPlates, given the small cost, worth fitting.

Ideally you want the standard electronic Alarm/Tracker/Immobiliser than most of us have.
VanBitz is the recognised motorhome specialist for the installation.

 

[fred_jb]

Kill switch on fuel pump was always my favourite.

I've devised a simple circuit which disables the gear change lever on my auto gearbox. It means that even if the engine is started the van is going nowhere! I can activate it with my alarm or with a secret switch.

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[Barriesimpson]

Have a look at Van Guardian, reasonable price for a good deterrent. No, I do not have any commercial interests in this company, I just found that it was exactly what I was looking for.

 

[iandsm]

Have a look at Van Guardian, reasonable price for a good deterrent. No, I do not have any commercial interests in this company, I just found that it was exactly what I was looking for.

Im very interested in Van Guardian. I was just wondering if the alarm would go off should a seagull poo on the can, we live at the coast and believe me I sometimes wonder of we have flying elephants.

 

[fishplug]

I've been looking into this too and from what I can make out the most common attacks on the Relay are (in no particular order)

• Screwdriver into driver's door handle = fix with "proplates"
• "Peel & steal" (where they pry open the top of the rear/side door and peel it back) = fix with deadlocks / internal bracketry
• ECU swap - fix with ECU protector / OBD protector

The lowest skill attacks are the first two and so I've ordered (but not yet fitted) proplates and a bracket for the rear doors (which is a 2 minute job so I've fitted that)

I'm still looking into deadlocks and which ones to get. Part of my issue with them is what to do when you're sleeping in the van.

I want to be able to get out of either the side or rear door in the event of a fire so can't lock them with deadlocks, which reduces their protection to some extent.

Ideally there should be a variant that allows you to also mount an internal key/knob like you get with Euro door locks but I've yet to find one.

The research continues.

I do have a 'baseball bat' steering lock (came with an old Mercedes Vito I had years ago) and I carry it, but I've never used it. I probably should.

The other thing is that I've been wild camping for 6 or 7 years now and have only ever had one attempt at getting into my van and that was just trying the back door handle while I'd stopped at the last Aire before Calais. There was a group of migrants who were doing this to every vehicle that parked up but they were just chancers and weren't doing anything more than seeing if someone had been stupid enough not to lock their vehicle.

I know this because I was in it cooking some food and could see them through the privacy glass. The chap wasn't half surprised when I popped out the side door with an axe...

...I was just putting it away in the back....

So, my point is that the risk, especially in a fairly discrete PVC, is relatively low. Sure, we've all seen the horror stories and some of us will inevitably (through the simple laws of probability) have had some nasty experiences but I think there has to be a balance between being sensible and spending two hours locking your van and worrying about it constantly when you're not in it.

The proof is that the '12 plate in question has gone 12/13 years unmolested....

I sometimes think that if you make it too obvious that there's something worth stealing then it becomes a magnet for those with twisted minds.

It's an interesting topic with a wide variety of opinion but at the end of the day, rational or not, you need to have a level of security that you (and your insurance company) are happy with.

"Do you have a dashcam?"

"No, but I have an 8 camera MDVR system that records 24/7 inside and outside the vehicle with audio and it's saved both locally and remotely and kept for 30 days. It alerts me of potential incidents automatically and I can remote into it from anywhere in the world and can also speak through the system to warn people that I can see and hear them and that they're on camera and being reported - does that count?"

"..um.. let me check........... yes! that's fine"

 

[fishplug]

VanBitz is the recognised motorhome specialist for the installation

It sounds like there's some amicable and sensible transfer of that going on between VanBitz and WattGuardz at the moment (and a discount to boot!)

WattGuardz & Van Bitz – Looking Ahead Together

Hi everyone, As promised, I wanted to start a new thread to share some important updates about the future of both WattGuardz and Van Bitz. I’m pleased to announce that Darrel and I have reached a positive and mutually beneficial agreement that ensures continued support for all existing and...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Krazykate]

I would suggest a simple 'baseball bat' type steering lock.
Like this one.
and unlike the arguably better steering wheel disk type locks, it easy to put on/take off and more importantly its easy to store

A hab door lock may persuade the "ne're do wells" to look elsewhere.
Same applies to ProPlates, given the small cost, worth fitting.

Ideally you want the standard electronic Alarm/Tracker/Immobiliser than most of us have.
VanBitz is the recognised motorhome specialist for the installation.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[U.Toadifact]

On the recommendation of one the forum's fine members, we have fitted a set of security products from

www.camperprotect.de/en/c/burglary-protection/ducato-jumper-boxer

They are very easy to fit and effective, particularly for use at night when in the van as it is virtually impossible to try to open a door without making a racket.

 

[fishplug]

Ouch!

I'm sure they're well made and all that and if you don't have the tools and fabrication skills and...

But most of that can be made for £3.67 with a bit of mild steel, a hacksaw and some hammerite.

Funnily enough something along those lines was what I was thinking as my "i'm in the van and want to be able to get out quickly if needed, but still stop thieves breaking in" alternative to a deadlock that can be opened from both inside and out.

I'd forgotten about the AdBlue lock. I'd got a 3D printed one from eBay for about a fiver.

Ironically I'm pretty sure the previous owner did an AdBlue delete so it was a waste of money...

 

[Krazykate]

A great help and lots of food for thought everyone, thank you.
I think after several men (probably only two) with low voices, surrounded my van one night and tried all the doors, my heart beat was probably louder than any alarm!
Enough to get serious for my forecoming road trip.
I bought my van a year ago, unfortunately have had a cancer diagnosis in the meantime and just finishing chemo, so the minute I don't feel like a 90 year old, I'm out there!! My OH is going back to work and will come and meet me on my adventures.

I agree fishplug perhaps fairly uncommon in a motorhomers life, but psychologically I reckon I need something and feel a bit vulnerable anyway.

Re Vanguardian, I've been seriously looking at this. I actually wrote to the co. last night asking about occupants movement during the night what with the bed next to the barn doors and getting up to the loo.
I too am on the coast @iansm and perching and splatting seagulls did spring to mind.

It has proven difficult to find a local van security company hence my enquiry about LDS mobile security. They seem to have a decent website and prices are reasonable. So yes fred_jb (sorry not sure how to tag) I'm going for deadlocks all round and proplates. My question is standard or hook deadlocks and do I need plates on every door?

I'm fortunate than camper crime locally isn't an issue. But I do use a non disc steering lock and I'm thinking of getting a pedal plate (is this needed if I have deadlocks?
I'm more thinking about when out and about leaving the van for longer periods and when sleeping in the van.
So along with deadlocks and plates (which I won't lock at night I suppose) as I've mentioned on another post I have Solidfy on barn doors, front seat belts in door handles and I'm currently working out use of camperprotect as I have a kitchen unit blocking the sliding door fix to the seat belt hinge.
So perhaps alarm, cameras in and out because of occasional dog visit and perhaps exterior sensor lights??
Don't get wrong I'm not going to spoil my trip by being paranoid and terrified, quite the opposite if I'm well equipped.....and I'm sure the odd glass of wine when I'm on sites will help

 

[fishplug]

I agree @fishplug perhaps fairly uncommon in a motorhomers life, but psychologically I reckon I need something and feel a bit vulnerable anyway.

You have to find your own comfort level. That's different for us all and changes with things like age and illness.

Keep doing what you do and while I've not had the pleasure myself I do know from my good farming stock indestructible friend (died twice in the ambulance after a hit and run, etc) that while chemo is utterly debilitating, it is only temporary and things do get better.

Hope it all goes well for you.

 

[Langtoftlad]

Keep in mind, the more security you install the more time and inconvenience it is to implement each stop... and also how you get out in a hurry in an emergency... or how easy it is to get into your driver's seat and simply drive away from a threatening situation.

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[Barriesimpson]

Im very interested in Van Guardian. I was just wondering if the alarm would go off should a seagull poo on the can, we live at the coast and believe me I sometimes wonder of we have flying elephants.

That is a difficult one for me to answer as we don't see too many seagulls close by. If one actually managed to shit directly on one of the sensors (they stick out from the panels about 4 or 5 centimetres I guess) then I imagine it would sound the alarm. But the first burst is only 3 seconds, if after that there is no more vibration it will go back to sleep. However, if the bird shits again within 30 seconds then the alarm will go off and very loudly. I guess it depends on what the seagull had for lunch.

 

[Krazykate]

You have to find your own comfort level. That's different for us all and changes with things like age and illness.

Keep doing what you do and while I've not had the pleasure myself I do know from my good farming stock indestructible friend (died twice in the ambulance after a hit and run, etc) that while chemo is utterly debilitating, it is only temporary and things do get better.

Hope it all goes well for you.

Many thanks fishplug. I'm sure I'll find my level and although a long road ahead (pardon the pun!) my mindset is positive and life attitude has changed massively.... hence road trip to anywhere I fancy!! luckier than many I'm sure

 

[Krazykate]

That is a difficult one for me to answer as we don't see too many seagulls close by. If one actually managed to shit directly on one of the sensors (they stick out from the panels about 4 or 5 centimetres I guess) then I imagine it would sound the alarm. But the first burst is only 3 seconds, if after that there is no more vibration it will go back to sleep. However, if the bird shits again within 30 seconds then the alarm will go off and very loudly. I guess it depends on what the seagull had for lunch.

 

[fishplug]

Many thanks fishplug. I'm sure I'll find my level and although a long road ahead (pardon the pun!) my mindset is positive and life attitude has changed massively.... hence road trip to anywhere I fancy!! luckier than many I'm sure

My friend said the same.

He said his (throat) cancer turned into a complete allergy to BS and became a 'truth serum'.

I don't think he's ever been happier and while he's still on the regular (nerve wracking) checkups he's coming on for 7 years clear now. His tolerance for idiots hasn't been cured though. It's still at a very contenting zero

Do as much of whatever you can that makes you smile as you can. It's a winning formula and one that gets crystallised when you get bad medical news I think.

My well endowed mum just had a double mastectomy at 87 due to breast cancer. "oh good, that'll hopefully help my back pain now that I don't have to carry those around any more"

It's all about the attitude.

(She's doing amazingly well and is back to full independence and living her normal life less than a month later. And, yes, her back pain is better....)

 

[fred_jb]

A great help and lots of food for thought everyone, thank you.
I think after several men (probably only two) with low voices, surrounded my van one night and tried all the doors, my heart beat was probably louder than any alarm!
Enough to get serious for my forecoming road trip.
I bought my van a year ago, unfortunately have had a cancer diagnosis in the meantime and just finishing chemo, so the minute I don't feel like a 90 year old, I'm out there!! My OH is going back to work and will come and meet me on my adventures.

I agree fishplug perhaps fairly uncommon in a motorhomers life, but psychologically I reckon I need something and feel a bit vulnerable anyway.

Re Vanguardian, I've been seriously looking at this. I actually wrote to the co. last night asking about occupants movement during the night what with the bed next to the barn doors and getting up to the loo.
I too am on the coast @iansm and perching and splatting seagulls did spring to mind.

It has proven difficult to find a local van security company hence my enquiry about LDS mobile security. They seem to have a decent website and prices are reasonable. So yes fred_jb (sorry not sure how to tag) I'm going for deadlocks all round and proplates. My question is standard or hook deadlocks and do I need plates on every door?

I'm fortunate than camper crime locally isn't an issue. But I do use a non disc steering lock and I'm thinking of getting a pedal plate (is this needed if I have deadlocks?
I'm more thinking about when out and about leaving the van for longer periods and when sleeping in the van.
So along with deadlocks and plates (which I won't lock at night I suppose) as I've mentioned on another post I have Solidfy on barn doors, front seat belts in door handles and I'm currently working out use of camperprotect as I have a kitchen unit blocking the sliding door fix to the seat belt hinge.
So perhaps alarm, cameras in and out because of occasional dog visit and perhaps exterior sensor lights??
Don't get wrong I'm not going to spoil my trip by being paranoid and terrified, quite the opposite if I'm well equipped.....and I'm sure the odd glass of wine when I'm on sites will help

I went with the hook type deadlocks which I believe are harder to defeat.

However, as you say it is not practical (or safe) to have the deadlocks set while you are in the van as it would not be good to have to open a window to unset a deadlock so you can get out in an emergency.

I bought a set of chains that clip between brackets on the doors and hook over the seatbelt mounts. Can't remember the name, but they come from Germany and prevent the doors opening more than a small amount even if the standard door locks are defeated.

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[Krazykate]

My friend said the same.

He said his (throat) cancer turned into a complete allergy to BS and became a 'truth serum'.

I don't think he's ever been happier and while he's still on the regular (nerve wracking) checkups he's coming on for 7 years clear now. His tolerance for idiots hasn't been cured though. It's still at a very contenting zero

Do as much of whatever you can that makes you smile as you can. It's a winning formula and one that gets crystallised when you get bad medical news I think.

My well endowed mum just had a double mastectomy at 87 due to breast cancer. "oh good, that'll hopefully help my back pain now that I don't have to carry those around any more"

It's all about the attitude.

(She's doing amazingly well and is back to full independence and living her normal life less than a month later. And, yes, her back pain is better....)

It's a cliché but we don't know what's around the corner and we are the product of our past and present experiences, good or bad.
"Do what you love, love what you do."........and I love having freedom in my van, a real nature junkie.
.....and now to delve into the forum search for cameras, alarms and van WiFi.

 

[fred_jb]

The German company I referred to is https://www.camperprotect.de/

As well as the chains I mentioned they also do the metal plates to fit inside doors and protect against the so called pricking attack where would be thief hammers a sharp spike through the thin metal of the door allowing the central locking to be activated. Rather appropriately called Prickstoppers!

 

[Krazykate]

Thanks Fred. Yes, I've opted to get these plates fitted professionally. I'm pretty handy but I watched you tube on how to fit them and what a faff with bolts and wires!