If you think your van is secure just because it’s locked, think again.
Across the UK, tool thieves have become smarter, faster, and bolder—targeting work vans with precision. Many break-ins happen in under 30 seconds. Most leave no signs of forced entry. And worst of all, they often go completely unnoticed until the next morning.
At VanToolTheft.com, we’ve studied how these crimes happen—and more importantly, how to stop them.
🔓 Common Van Break-In Techniques Used by Thieves
- Peel and Steal
Thieves grab the top corner of rear or side doors and physically peel them down using body weight and leverage.
Time taken: Under 30 seconds
Tools used: Just their hands or a crowbar
Popular target vans: Ford Transit, Vauxhall Vivaro, Peugeot Expert - Electronic Key Cloning
Thieves use cheap key fob amplifiers to clone your van’s signal from inside your home.
Time taken: Seconds
Tools used: Signal booster and relay device
Stops you locking the van or lets them unlock it without touching it. - Lock Drilling or Picking
Criminals drill or pick door locks, especially weak OEM versions.
Time taken: 1–2 minutes
Tools used: Cordless drill or lock-pick gun
Some thieves even carry professional lockpicking kits. - OBD Port Theft
Once inside, they connect a device to your van’s OBD-II port to start the engine or disable alarms.
Time taken: 2 minutes
Tools used: Laptop or cloning tool
This is more common with keyless ignition models.
📉 Why Standard Security Fails
Factory alarms and central locking systems often don’t cut it.
OEM locks can be bypassed with tools or physical force
Standard alarms are silent and do little to deter or alert
CCTV rarely helps in time—you’ll only find out after the damage is done
Tool marking doesn’t stop theft—it only helps if the tools are recovered (which is rare)
🚨 How VanToolTheft.com Stops Break-Ins..
Our solution is simple: detect the threat early and make noise—fast.
✔️ Real-Time SMS Alerts
If your van is tampered with, you get an instant alert to your phone—even if you’re asleep or away.
✔️ High-Decibel Siren
A loud siren is triggered immediately, making thieves flee and alerting neighbours.
✔️ Advanced Sensor Detection
Detects movement, impact, and door activity before doors are opened or locks are damaged.
🔐 5 Bonus Tips to Prevent Van Theft
Install deadlocks or hook locks
Use a dashcam or interior CCTV with night vision
Engrave or mark your tools with your postcode
Use a steering wheel lock as a visual deterrent
Don’t park in the same place every night
🧰 Don’t Let Them Win
Tool theft is a daily threat to tradespeople in the UK—but it doesn’t have to be.
At VanToolTheft.com, we help you fight back with reliable, no-nonsense devices that work 24/7. Whether you’re parked on a site or outside your home, you’ll know the moment someone targets your van.
Peace of mind starts with prevention.
🚐 Ready to Take Action?
🛒 Browse Our Security Devices
📱 See How the Alert System Works
🔧 Fast install • No app needed • Works with all vans*
* Some features may require disabling or fine tuning, for example, the Ultrasonic sensors might not work well if there’s daylight, but these sensors can be fine tuned or disabled.
