VEHICLE SECURITY
Help Protect Van Owners
Against Van & Tool Theft
» VAN GUARD’S HIGH QUALITY,
British-manufactured van locks and
security products help protect van owners
from the growing van and tool theft
epidemic by giving them a vast amount of
security solutions to choose from.
With van security the fastest growing
sector in van accessories due to
the ever-increasing rise in van
break-ins across the UK, Van
Guard, a leading British
manufacturer of commercial
vehicle accessories has
tapped into previous
experience in van security.
Entering the auto
locksmith sector
Established as G. K. Land Engineering
in 1976, the 70s and 80s saw the business
specialise in the supply of precision
machined components and industrial
finishing to electronics, lighting, audio,
and engineering products. In the early
90s, they were approached by a local
utility company who were experiencing
vehicle break-ins. This resulted in the
development of aftermarket rear window
grilles and blanks that provided a visual
deterrent to opportunist thieves. The
success of the window grilles allowed
them to explore the van security market
further by developing aftermarket
Bulkheads, Tool Stores and Pipe Carriers
under the Van Guard brand – all products
still going strong.
In 2018, Van Guard undertook an indepth
assessment of the auto locksmith
sector and concluded that there was
an opportunity to enter the market
successfully. Normally a project of this
magnitude would take years rather than
months, but Van Guard worked alongside
a leading name in the van locks market,
whilst utilising vast manufacturing
facilities in Exeter, Devon, and previous
experience in van security.
It has all come full circle for Van Guard
with the introduction of its own range
of Hooklocks, Slamlocks, Slamhandles
and shielding products. Sheet metal was
the starting point; with
current Managing Director,
Barry Woodward, joining
G.K.Land as an apprentice
back in 1981. With over 20 years
specialising in the vehicle accessory
market and hard-earned reputation for
manufacturing high class van kit, auto
locksmiths have the confidence in what
Van Guard have designed, manufactured,
and delivered.
Aftermarket security systems
A large range of bespoke locking
systems and protection plates are available
depending on the requirements, with all
popular vehicles covered. Van model and
door specific kits come as standard.
Aftermarket Hooklocks and Deadlocks
are the most common and popular
security upgrades for almost every van
and their respective doors. Not only do
they provide an additional controlled
locking point to the van, it acts as a
visual deterrent to opportunist thieves.
Where the Hooklock differs is that the
mechanism is thrown and hooks into the
receiving strike plate bracket, offering next
level security.
Van Guard’s Slamlocks work by deactivating
the van’s factory fitted door
handle and installing an additional
surface mounted lock to the door. These
are preferred by couriers and companies
making multi-drop deliveries, where
locking needs to occur every time without
fail.
Many factory-fitted plastic door handles
are a vulnerable point on the van, so Van
Guard’s range of Slamhandles are a direct
stainless steel replacement providing
increased security, with the incorporation
of a Slamlock into the handle or located
nearby for easy secure operation.
Offering superior protection, our
anti-spin Replacement Locks have been
specifically designed for the cab doors of
Ford Transit and Transit Custom models,
with the manufacturer’s locks prone to
attack - either by being picked or turning
the cylinder with ease to unlock the
mechanism.
Van Guard have developed a range of
van model and door specific shielding
products to address varying types of
attack. Manufactured from high grade
stainless steel, shields can be used as a
deterrent and as a repair if the door or
handle has already been damaged.
All bracketry is made from high-quality
stainless steel, finished to the highest
of standards, with installation being
made simple with clear & detailed fitting
instructions.
Unlock the potential of
Van Lock Fitting
• Long established British
manufacturer with 40+ years’
experience
• Dedicated Customer Service &
Technical support
• Member of the Made in Britain
campaign
• Next working day delivery
• Free leads based on your location
• All products designed and
manufactured onsite
• Detailed fitting instructions
• Industry high security dimple key
• Keyed alike - across different van lock
types
• Industry leading bracketry - highquality
Grade 304 stainless steel
• Innovative designed plastic
escutcheons
• All popular vehicles covered
• Van & door specific kits as standard
www.van-guard.co.uk
66
JUL/AUG 2020
locksmithjournal.co.uk