With van theft by reportedly very professional and well equipped criminals increasing every day, I am considering potential -and practical - solutions for my new van (not the one to the left!). The normal options seem to be wheel clamps and/or a GPS locator. Has anyone out there had experience with either - or both - options and can point me in the right direction? I have spoken to 2 insurance companies (CIL and APIA) and both responses were pretty much the same. In the event of a claim, you have to satisfy the assessor that you made every reasonable effort to secure your van. I have a friend who uses a length of (approx. 20mm) stainless steel rod which fits through the 'holes' in the wheel rims right across from one side to the other, and he fits a large (and expensive) padlock through holes on each end of the rod. I have to say that it would pose a real problem for any would-be thief, but it's very heavy and awkward.
Over to you!
Regards
Chris
The Phantom said
03:31 AM Jun 21, 2015
A GPS locator will not prevent theft of a van, just tell you where it is after it has been stolen so that you can find it or what is left of it.
There are many anti theft measures you can take. Only you can decide what is adequate to satisfy your assessor.
The assessor will then decide whether he will recommend you be paid out.
The Phantom
peterwm said
08:49 AM Jun 21, 2015
With tandem vans you can obtain incarnel chain & lock to put thru two wheels on one side or wheel to chassis if not tandem, this is used by 'Harley' owners , quite expensive , but so is your van, this steel cannot be cut with oxy or bolt cutters, very effective, not sure about spelling.
peterwm said
08:51 AM Jun 21, 2015
By the way Incarnel is five times harder than stainless steel, cheers
Peter
Stratman77 said
09:03 AM Jun 21, 2015
Hi, Guys!
Peter, I found some stuff called 'inconel' which seems to be what you refer to, but can't find any local suppliers or chain on ebay - or anywhere else so far, but I'll keep looking. Is there anyone else out there that has bought this chain?
peterwm said
09:14 AM Jun 21, 2015
A distant friend of mine used it only a special order Harley, unfortunately I can not contact him, this is an alternative, stainless comes in different grades, I think the Tungsten based type is the strongest, maybe contact Harley dealership, I think he dealt with 'Frasers' in Perth WA. cheers
turbopete said
10:06 AM Jun 21, 2015
Hi Peterwm How effective against a angle grinder would it be especially the battery operated grinders...there is a fully enclosed steel cover
that encapsulates the tow head this is a good preventative,I guess the idea is to make the theft take maxi time and be as difficult as
possible ,,,,apart from physical gadgets,, look at electronic brake lockers if there is such a thing
-- Edited by turbopete on Sunday 21st of June 2015 10:07:55 AM
Mike196 said
11:16 AM Jun 21, 2015
Spoke to chain/cable suppliers in Adelaide about "cut proof cable" etc and the reply was "nothing is cut proof since the invention of battery powered grinders".
peterwm said
11:32 AM Jun 21, 2015
Chris,
I have been in the construction industry for 30 years, I am currently on my last tour of duty in the North West before myself and my wife head off semi-retired, in regards to cutting steel, the type of cutting discs change radically as you move on to different alloys, stainless steel has up to five different grades till you finally get into having to use diamond impregnated stainless discs to match the stainless you are cutting, I personally will be going down this path before we take off.
The thieves will have to have many different types of discs to cater for the types of alloys they will encounter.
My teenage years where in the late sixties/early seventies, what a great era it was, we would not be having this discussion, cheers
dogbox said
11:38 AM Jun 21, 2015
turbopete wrote:
Hi Peterwm How effective against a angle grinder would it be especially the battery operated grinders...there is a fully enclosed steel cover
that encapsulates the tow head this is a good preventative,I guess the idea is to make the theft take maxi time and be as difficult as
possible ,,,,apart from physical gadgets,, look at electronic brake lockers if there is such a thing
-- Edited by turbopete on Sunday 21st of June 2015 10:07:55 AM
they just hook the chains up an drag it away with the drawbar sitting on the chains
if they really want your particular van they will get it all you can do is make it as difficult as possible so they take someone else's van
chopit said
12:50 PM Jun 21, 2015
As said. Thieves will take what they want. It's up to the owner to make that theft as difficult as possible.
In doing that, hopefully they will look for an easier target.
We use a tow ball coupling lock with a huge Master brand lock.
We arrived at a fairly quiet camp to see a newish off road 'van up on blocks of firewood with the 4 wheels & tyres gone.
Apparently the couple had gone driving for the day & returned to find the 4 landcruiser pattern wheels stolen.
No one else was camped there but only about 200 mtrs from a regularly used road.
Quick,cunning & opportunistic. Mongrels !!
peterwm said
03:18 PM Jun 21, 2015
One security nut on each wheel may have avoided this, bring back those good old days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Spydermann said
03:55 PM Jun 21, 2015
You can nick a locked Harley using a skateboard under the front locked wheel/steering. If someone thinks they deserve your stuff more than you, they will nick it no matter what you do. It's these portable angle grinders or giant bolt cutters that are a problem. Also, how many of us have a power, tools etc. close to our "secured" stuff. I was always told that locks only keep out honest theives. Just don't leave anything to temptation for the casual thief.
Was at a van shop on Thursday. It has been burgled the prior evening and some custom made metal equipment stolen. The owner phoned two nearby scrap metal shops asking to keep a lookout for someone trying to flog his stuff. 1/2 hour later the thieves were nabbed trying to flog the stuff at one of the dealers.
Stratman77 said
07:21 PM Jun 21, 2015
Hi, All!
Thanks for all the above. Your comments just confirm what I already believed to be the impossible dream. Short of removing the wheels and encasing the chassis in a few cubic metres of concrete, if the thieves really want it, they will either have the means - or get the means - to steal it. Therefore, it seems the only courses of action are to:
1. Use security devices like ball locks, wheel clamps and chains or stainless steel wire through the rims and sub-frame with high quality padlocks in the hope there is another van close by which is an easier target and/or try to park next to a newer and/or much more expensive
van!)
2. Install a hidden GPS locator so you have a chance of finding it after the fact.
3. Send photos of these measures to your insurance company
4. NEVER leave your van alone in a quiet location, and when you do leave it - make sure it is securely locked.
5. Keep your fingers crossed.
6. Pray.
Oh. Yes. Spyderman. I'm an electrician, and have fixed many problems with a hammer!
Regards
Chris
Stratman77 said
09:22 PM Jun 21, 2015
Hi, Again!
On the subject of GPS trackers. There are a plethora of devices on eBay at seemingly very reasonable prices. I would ask anyone who has one to let me know where you got it, cost and how well it works. I was looking at these and am a little reluctant to jump in:
These are all from China, but a couple of these devices are also available from Australian suppliers at a dramatically increased cost.
Regards
Chris
Aus-Kiwi said
11:48 PM Jun 21, 2015
A smartphone does much the same.. If you could airbrush it to look like the van in avatar ?
Your half way there.. A movement sensor which activates a Rotweller barking inside..
Removing the drawbar hitch ? I guess a sign saying fox poisoning ? Could help..
Stratman77 said
12:10 AM Jun 22, 2015
Hey, now! There's an idea. If my van looked like my avatar, I wouldn't need any security at all. I could even leave it unlocked! Maybe a sign saying the van is full of Nitroglycerine! Or the van is quarantined due to Bubonic plague. These thieves don't need a hitch, they will tow it with the chains. How about an electric fence gadget? they might not like 2 or 3Kv (or more) belts every few seconds. Now that's got possibilities. How about 240Vac? Maybe I could electrocute a couple of them before they towed the van away? It would also stop dogs and kids urinating on the wheels! I'll keep that in mind.
-- Edited by Stratman77 on Monday 22nd of June 2015 12:21:58 AM
Aus-Kiwi said
12:34 AM Jun 22, 2015
Being an ex dairy farmer I have a am.gallagher.com/au/support/electric-fencing-resources
I have to keep things quiet on many counts .. The do gooders and the occupational health and safety regs..
Keeping the rubber mat at the door helps..
Hi, all!
With van theft by reportedly very professional and well equipped criminals increasing every day, I am considering potential -and practical - solutions for my new van (not the one to the left!). The normal options seem to be wheel clamps and/or a GPS locator. Has anyone out there had experience with either - or both - options and can point me in the right direction? I have spoken to 2 insurance companies (CIL and APIA) and both responses were pretty much the same. In the event of a claim, you have to satisfy the assessor that you made every reasonable effort to secure your van. I have a friend who uses a length of (approx. 20mm) stainless steel rod which fits through the 'holes' in the wheel rims right across from one side to the other, and he fits a large (and expensive) padlock through holes on each end of the rod. I have to say that it would pose a real problem for any would-be thief, but it's very heavy and awkward.
Over to you!
Regards
Chris
A GPS locator will not prevent theft of a van, just tell you where it is after it has been stolen so that you can find it or what is left of it.
There are many anti theft measures you can take. Only you can decide what is adequate to satisfy your assessor.
The assessor will then decide whether he will recommend you be paid out.
The Phantom
Peter
Peter, I found some stuff called 'inconel' which seems to be what you refer to, but can't find any local suppliers or chain on ebay - or anywhere else so far, but I'll keep looking. Is there anyone else out there that has bought this chain?
Hi Peterwm How effective against a angle grinder would it be especially the battery operated grinders...there is a fully enclosed steel cover
that encapsulates the tow head this is a good preventative,I guess the idea is to make the theft take maxi time and be as difficult as
possible ,,,,apart from physical gadgets,, look at electronic brake lockers if there is such a thing
-- Edited by turbopete on Sunday 21st of June 2015 10:07:55 AM
Spoke to chain/cable suppliers in Adelaide about "cut proof cable" etc and the reply was "nothing is cut proof since the invention of battery powered grinders".
I have been in the construction industry for 30 years, I am currently on my last tour of duty in the North West before myself and my wife head off semi-retired, in regards to cutting steel, the type of cutting discs change radically as you move on to different alloys, stainless steel has up to five different grades till you finally get into having to use diamond impregnated stainless discs to match the stainless you are cutting, I personally will be going down this path before we take off.
The thieves will have to have many different types of discs to cater for the types of alloys they will encounter.
My teenage years where in the late sixties/early seventies, what a great era it was, we would not be having this discussion, cheers
they just hook the chains up an drag it away with the drawbar sitting on the chains
if they really want your particular van they will get it all you can do is make it as difficult as possible so they take someone else's van
In doing that, hopefully they will look for an easier target.
We use a tow ball coupling lock with a huge Master brand lock.
We arrived at a fairly quiet camp to see a newish off road 'van up on blocks of firewood with the 4 wheels & tyres gone.
Apparently the couple had gone driving for the day & returned to find the 4 landcruiser pattern wheels stolen.
No one else was camped there but only about 200 mtrs from a regularly used road.
Quick,cunning & opportunistic. Mongrels !!
Was at a van shop on Thursday. It has been burgled the prior evening and some custom made metal equipment stolen. The owner phoned two nearby scrap metal shops asking to keep a lookout for someone trying to flog his stuff. 1/2 hour later the thieves were nabbed trying to flog the stuff at one of the dealers.
Thanks for all the above. Your comments just confirm what I already believed to be the impossible dream. Short of removing the wheels and encasing the chassis in a few cubic metres of concrete, if the thieves really want it, they will either have the means - or get the means - to steal it. Therefore, it seems the only courses of action are to:
1. Use security devices like ball locks, wheel clamps and chains or stainless steel wire through the rims and sub-frame with high quality padlocks in the hope there is another van close by which is an easier target and/or try to park next to a newer and/or much more expensive
van!)
2. Install a hidden GPS locator so you have a chance of finding it after the fact.
3. Send photos of these measures to your insurance company
4. NEVER leave your van alone in a quiet location, and when you do leave it - make sure it is securely locked.
5. Keep your fingers crossed.
6. Pray.
Oh. Yes. Spyderman. I'm an electrician, and have fixed many problems with a hammer!
Regards
Chris
On the subject of GPS trackers. There are a plethora of devices on eBay at seemingly very reasonable prices. I would ask anyone who has one to let me know where you got it, cost and how well it works. I was looking at these and am a little reluctant to jump in:
www.ebay.com.au/itm/400895372144%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
www.ebay.com.au/itm/281662298684%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
www.ebay.com.au/itm/270792708200%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
These are all from China, but a couple of these devices are also available from Australian suppliers at a dramatically increased cost.
Regards
Chris
Your half way there.. A movement sensor which activates a Rotweller barking inside..
Removing the drawbar hitch ? I guess a sign saying fox poisoning ? Could help..
Hey, now! There's an idea. If my van looked like my avatar, I wouldn't need any security at all. I could even leave it unlocked! Maybe a sign saying the van is full of Nitroglycerine! Or the van is quarantined due to Bubonic plague. These thieves don't need a hitch, they will tow it with the chains. How about an electric fence gadget? they might not like 2 or 3Kv (or more) belts every few seconds. Now that's got possibilities. How about 240Vac? Maybe I could electrocute a couple of them before they towed the van away? It would also stop dogs and kids urinating on the wheels! I'll keep that in mind.
-- Edited by Stratman77 on Monday 22nd of June 2015 12:21:58 AM
I have to keep things quiet on many counts .. The do gooders and the occupational health and safety regs..
Keeping the rubber mat at the door helps..