AUTO LOCKSMITHS
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pressures of the trade, and is open to product evolution.
“ We’ ve worked with suppliers in the past where one out of every two jobs would go wrong— wrong item, late delivery, incorrect components,” says Ben.“ That might sound minor, but the knock-on effects are massive. You lose time, miss jobs, waste fuel, and most of the time have to go back to finish work. It reflects badly on us, and damages customer relationships.”
That’ s why VanSecure has taken a selective approach with suppliers— and why their partnership with Van Guard has grown over the years. Together, they’ ve built a process of open communication and continuous refinement. The result is a collaborative working style where both companies learn from one another and actively pursue better outcomes for the trade.
Strength in products
One of the best examples of the VanSecure – Van Guard partnership is the Stronghold Range— a purpose-designed mechanical security kit developed by Van Secure, using Van Guard Ulti Lock hook locks as the foundation.
Unlike standard“ off-the-shelf” lock installs, the Stronghold Range was created in direct response to evolving attack methods seen on the road. Thieves today are using aggressive tactics such as crowbars, grinders, and targeted cuts around lock cylinders— rendering many traditional installs vulnerable.
The VanSecure Stronghold Range addresses these weaknesses head-on with:
• Structural reinforcement to resist prying and crowbar attacks
• External cylinder shielding to protect against cylinder cutting and snapping
• Building on the already excellent Van Guard locks, trusted for their mechanical reliability
This isn’ t just a bracket and a bolt— it’ s a fully engineered upgrade kit that is already proving popular with other fitters in the trade. Built by engineers, for engineers, it gives installers additional options for their customers, that genuinely improve a van’ s resistance to attack, rather than just ticking a security box.
Trade platform launch To make the Stronghold Range available to other professionals, Van Secure has launched a new trade-only platform: trade. vansecure. co. uk
This platform is designed specifically for trade installers and offers:
• The full Stronghold Range, including reinforcement kits and Van Guard lock kits
• A bespoke shield design service to tackle extreme attack damage
• A range of rescue tools and components to recover from fitting errors
The goal is simple: help others in the trade deliver better security, with tools and designs informed by real-world fitting experience.
Mechanical first and foremost
While VanSecure does offer direct to consumer fitting services, they are also keen to help others within the trade keep up with the extreme attack methods out there, and ultimately stay one step ahead of tool thieves.
“ Mechanical security is our priority,” Ben says.“ It’ s where we place most of our effort and where we believe we deliver the most value to the trade.”
Their mechanical-first focus includes:
• Sold Secure Automotive Gold-rated hook locks, installed with precise, vehicle-specific fitment
• VanSecure-manufactured external door shields, tailored to customer visibility and preference
• Reinforced lock design, engineered for durability and real-world resilience
It’ s this emphasis on proper fitment, durable hardware, and engineeringled thinking that makes VanSecure’ s products stand out— and help tradespeople stay protected against the most common and costly attacks.
Holding the line on quality In a competitive market, it can be tempting to cut corners. But VanSecure remains unapologetically focused on value.
“ There are people undercutting to win work,” Ben explains.“ But if you ' re charging a fair rate, you’ ve got to deliver a fair result. That means showing up with the right product, fitting it properly, and walking away with a customer who’ s confident their van is protected.”
That mindset is mirrored in how they select suppliers: they work only with those who meet the same high standards. That’ s why Van Guard remains one of their closest technical partners.
A Shared Commitment to the Trade
“ It’ s a cliché to talk about partnerships,” says Ben,“ but that’ s genuinely what this is. With Van Guard, we’ re working toward the same goal— better outcomes for the trade, through better products and better installs.”
The two companies share more than just products. They share a commitment to improvement, a respect for the trade, and a belief that collaboration leads to better engineering and better service. And that, ultimately, benefits everyone— from the national fleet to the one-man band.
For more information: www. vansecure. co. uk trade. vansecure. co. uk www. van-guard. co. uk
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JULY 2025
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