The Locksmith Journal 91 November 2023 | Page 62

AUTO LOCKSMITHS
> Continued from page 60 >
When the ULTILock Hooklock isn ’ t practical , Van Guard recommend utilising a Deadlock . Similar to the ULTILock Hooklock , the ULTILock Deadlock has also been recognised by Sold Secure and has attained the Silver Standard status . Deadlocks are a common and popular additional security upgrade and work in the same way as hooklocks , but instead of throwing a hook into a receiving bracket , they throw a straight bolt . The ULTILock Deadlock is designed to be placed in the best possible location to help prevent against an attack .
For example , on certain vans , such as the Ford Transit Custom , thieves have started to attack the vans using a method commonly referred to as ‘ Peel and Steal ’. In this method of attack , thieves crowbar open the top of the door and apply pressure to “ peel ” down the top of the door to gain access to the van ’ s load area . Van Guard have developed Deadlocks in specific high positions that help to stop and fight against this well-known attack . To help prevent the “ Peel and Steal ” attack , Van Guard has also developed a range of Anti-Peel brackets in both high and low positions , for the Ford Transit and Ford Transit Custom and the Dispatch , Expert , Pro-Ace and Vivaro . Another attack method thieves commonly use is the “ grip and spin ” method . The Ford Transit and Ford Transit Custom ’ s standard manufacturer ’ s locks are well documented as being extremely vulnerable to attack . Their door locks are prone to being picked and the cylinder easy to turn , hence the name “ grip and spin ”. The “ grip and spin ” attack allows quick and easy access to the cab area and from here thieves can unlock the load area , allowing theft of any contents within . Van Guard offers a Ford Replacement Lock , to protect against these common methods of attack . It is a direct replacement for the manufacturer ’ s lock and this common and effective security upgrade is a must for all Ford Transit and Ford Transit Custom owners .
The Ford Transit , Ford Transit Custom and Ford Transit Connect are also vulnerable to attacks in which thieves cut the wiring loom to gain access to the vehicle . Cutting the wiring loom can potentially unlock the van , and although
Shielding
Slamlock
a recent security upgrade to these models has stopped the doors from unlocking , the cost and inconvenience of replacing a wiring loom can be high . Van Guard offers a Loom Guard to protect the wiring looms , which is a low cost but highly effect security upgrade .
Another way to prevent attacks is by using internal and external shielding . Internal shields fit internally to protect vulnerable points in the van where thieves could drill or punch a hole in the van to allow access to either the door locking cable or door locking mechanism within the vehicles skin . By gaining access , they can then pull the cable or actuate the mechanism to unlock the doors . External shields have the same benefits of internal shields , but they also act as a visual deterrent to stop the attack happening in the first place . They can also be used as a cost-effective repair method for vans that have already suffered an attack . Shields are a very popular and effective additional security product , and Van Guard offer a wide range of internal , external and handle shields , in both stainless steel and black powder coat .
To prevent opportunistic thieves , Van Guard has developed the ULTILock Slamlock , which is ideal for multi-drop
Anti-peel
delivery drivers , drivers who have high-value goods inside and locking is essential every time , and owners who forget to lock their van and want to know it will be locked every time . Integrating with the OEM locking mechanism , when the van door shuts , the van is automatically locked without the need for any user interaction . Slamlocks work by deactivating the vans factory fitted door handle and installing an additional surface mounted lock to the door .
The ULTILock Slamlock acts as a visual deterrent to prevent attacks from opportunistic thieves . A Slamlock does not make a door stronger as there is no additional bolt style lock , so Van Guard recommend adding additional security products such as the UltiLock Hooklock to help make the van as secure as possible .
Similarly , to the ULTILock Slamlock , the ULTILock Slamhandle provides increased security to the often-weak factory fitted door handles that can easily be broken into and bypassed by thieves . Van Guard ’ s ULTILock Slamhandle is a direct stainless-steel replacement for the plastic OEM handles and include a Slamlock mechanism . Many of the ULTILock Slamhandles have additional internal shielding to further strengthen the surrounding area from attacks .
Van Guard ’ s ultimate security range can be conveniently purchased online , via email or over the phone , by experienced lock fitters . Their in-house design and manufacturing process allows them to have an extended cut off time of 3pm for next AM working delivery , ensuring you get the products you need in a timely manner .
www . van-guard . co . uk
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NOVEMBER 2023
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