Keeping your van hire safe

When you hire a van, you naturally want to make sure it's kept safe for return to the dealer. This would be the case even if van crime was less common than it is – but stats show that the number of break-ins has more than doubled in some regions of the UK since 2020.

Thieves often target vans to take tools they can sell. But simply having your tools stolen is the best-case scenario. If you're unlucky, you could end up with windows smashed or a door pulled off – or without the van altogether.

Because you've rented the vehicle, you're not able to make modifications to the security system. This means you need to be vigilant when hiring a van – you want it to be as secure as possible within your price range.

But, outside of making modifications, there are some simple steps you can take that dramatically increase the security of your hired van. Let's take a look at them.

1. Lock your car and close all the windows

Obvious? Perhaps. But you'll be kicking yourself if you don't.

Never leave your windows open – even if you're popping in and out of a property. It's not worth the risk and makes you an easy target.

It doesn't matter how long the car is parked – whether for a few seconds while you make a delivery, or through the night. In all instances, you want your keys out of the ignition, windows closed and valuables either secured in the glove compartment or on your person.

2. Be careful where you park

Your van is much less likely to be broken into if it's parked in a busy, well-lit area – if possible, one that's monitored by CCTV. Only the most foolhardy of thieves would carry out a robbery knowing it could be seen by others.

If you park during the day, keep an eye out for streetlights and try to park as close to them as possible.

Of course, it's not always possible to find the perfect spot, but if you can, park your van with the back up against a wall. This means thieves can't get behind it and break in. It also prevents you from falling victim to the "peel and steal", where thieves wrench the door off without using tools.

3. Keep an inventory of what's in your van

If you're a victim of van theft, you're going to be asked what went missing. In the heat of the moment, you might forget – so prepare for the worst by keeping a thorough inventory of your tools and equipment.

This could be a spreadsheet or notebook, either physical or virtual. It should include the makes, models and serial numbers of all your tools and equipment. This is one of those jobs that seems daunting and time-consuming, but once it's done is a doddle to update – and well worth the faff in the event of a break-in.

You should also get into the habit of keeping your receipts and storing them together. This makes insurance claims less painful as you can demonstrate easily how much an item is worth.

Another thing you can do is to mark your tools. Here, you have options: you can either mark them invisibly with a UV pen or get them engraved. If an item has been marked it's much harder for criminals to sell.

4. Remove all valuables at night – or make sure they're well hidden

You might think that a sign saying "no tools left in the van overnight" is enough. But thieves are smarter than that.

The best thing you can do is to remove all your valuables at the end of the working day. This means the only thing at risk is the vehicle itself – and if you follow the rest of our tips, that should be safe too.

If you absolutely have to leave something valuable in your van, make sure it's hidden and covered.

We mentioned the importance of a work inventory above. This comes in handy at the end of the day when you come to unload the van. Tick off each item as it gets put away – that way, you won't bolt upright in the wee small hours wondering about the whereabouts of an expensive item.

Time-consuming? Yes. But like all habits, it becomes quicker and easier the more you do it.

5. Keep your key fob safe

You may have heard of "relay attacks", where thieves use electronic signal relay devices to intercept keyless fobs and unlock vehicles.

According to car security firm Tracker, this accounted for 66% of all stolen vehicles in 2016.

An easy way to avoid this is to invest in a "Faraday sleeve". This is a pouch that blocks electric signals. They're widely available – and cheap.

6. Careful with social media

Depending on the nature of your business, you may or may not be using social media for self-promotion. If you are, you mustn't advertise where you are at any given time.

Making your location known on social media is essentially drawing a map to your van and putting yourself at risk. Don't do it!

Final thoughts

So there you have it – some quick and easy tips for keeping your hire van safe. It's best practice to check these things off at the end of each working day. Doing so will significantly reduce your margin of error.

When you hire a van, check the insurance policy in detail – you want to know before you get behind the wheel what's covered and not covered.

Van theft is far from inevitable. Take sensible steps and you'll be able to park up without fretting about your vehicle's security. Three cheers for that!

At Metro Vehicle Hire, we specialise in vehicle hire in the northeast of England. Why not have a browse of our vans for rental? A member of our team will be more than happy to answer any questions and get you set up for the road.