Security measures

Robmac

Robmac

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I've just heard that a motorhome was stolen from just around the corner from us last Friday, so I was thinking of adding some security to the van.

Apparently, they broke into the car parked behind it first and pushed it out into the road, then stole the van, yet nobody heard.

I'm a bit reluctant to fit a wheel clamp, as I know that they can get these off in seconds, I'm therefore thinking of somehow disabling the engine. On my last van, I had a switch under the seat, which had to be switched before the ignition would work, so I could go that way again, or maybe remove a fuse somewhere.

Any suggestions, outside the usual alarms, wheel clamps etc?

(Maybe I should remove a wheel :D)
 
I have a clutch claw on my Westy. Assume it works as it's never been stolen :) Small enough that it can be stored out of the way when driving around.
 
Disklok is a very strong and visible steering wheel lock.
we use them on the Landrovers and they are very difficult to remove... so much so that they are Thatcham approved.
Much better than the bar types that are removed with one quick cut through the rim of the wheel.
 
Battery immob /kill switch .hidden away out of sight .same as used on race cars
Turn on off and key remove
One opt rob
 
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If they want it bad enough they will get it Rob,if you took a wheel off the scumbags would bring a replacement with them if they really wanted the van.I think the best thing is to try and make things difficult for the thief,they don't want to be messing around with an angle grinder if they can help it.If there are several similar motorhomes parked together and one has a highly visible steering wheel clamp it may just deter them,I use a disklok on the steering wheel which I would recommend.

I have known of people wiring a toggle switch in the ignition feed in a secret place under the dash somewhere,however the thieves don't know that and could still cause expensive damage breaking into the vehicle.You can only do so much,just make sure you have a good insurance company in case the worst happens.
 
mistericeman said:
Disklok is a very strong and visible steering wheel lock.
we use them on the Landrovers and they are very difficult to remove... so much so that they are Thatcham approved.
Much better than the bar types that are removed with one quick cut through the rim of the wheel.
Click to expand...

Have to agree regarding the Disklok, use mine all the time along with a cat 1 alarm / immobiliser.
Bought an expensive insurance approved wheel clamp that I rarely use, extremely heavy and I am wary of attempting to drive off with it still in situ so it stays under the settee.
Whilst at home my pvc is parked up behind 7' oak gates and my car is parked in front of the gates. I also have 3 security lights around the van and a security camera.
Touch wood to date no one has attempted to steal any of my vehicles although I had 2 ehu cables stolen when my c class was parked on the front of my house.
 
3 dogs.

A jack Russell

A Rottweiler

And a large German Shepherd.

If one does not get them then the others will !

:lol-053::lol-053::lol-053:
 
We usually reinforce the rear of the Disklok making it a very tight fit and prevent removal without using a, great deal of force and noise.
The fact that it makes the wheel almost impossible to turn with it fitted means that if you park up with the wheels of full lock it's difficult to push off a driveway etc.


 
Stock it with all the beer you intend to drink at Rutland, if they try driving off with all that weight it'll be at 2 mph. :cheers:
 
I was looking at an insurer's website and they talked about those posts that you embed in concrete as being the best thing. Quite a lot of bother to install, though, to state the obvious.

I have a Disklok (as you know...), an alarm, an immobiliser, a tracker and it's either behind a padlocked gate in a barn or blocked in by cars if it's on the drive.

And I have an on board safe for small valuables.

If I use anything else I'll need a briefcase to carry the key ring.
 
Simple answer is don't buy a van on a Transit base! My Transit based Hymer was stolen last year and nobody heard a thing,they had also jammed the tracker,and got in through 'high grade' door locks.
On my replacement Ducato based Hobby,I now have a Disklok AND a Clutch Claw with an alarmed Hab and garage doors and deadlocks on the cab doors. If I lose a key I'm knackered.
Advice from the Police is don't rely soley on electronic protection,make it as difficult as possible for them ie its called 'Target Hardening'. I also have a unique code on the roof and will soon have a mural on the back,which makes the van less attractive as it is difficult to remove without leaving a trace.
Any simple system to prevent them starting it will also benefit,whether it is a concealed/disguised switch on the fuel pump or a fused removable link on the battery,preferably in an out of the way place. On one of my vehicles (before ECUs) I had an immobiliser which was controlled by a magnetic reed switch and relay the magnet was then placed close to it to start.
A good test is-if you lost the keys how would you gain access and start it, if you can't,good chance is the thieving scum will find it difficult

Failing that a poisonous snake wrapped around the steering wheel,Indian Cobras are good!!!
 
sasquatch said:
Simple answer is don't buy a van on a Transit base! My Transit based Hymer was stolen last year and nobody heard a thing,they had also jammed the tracker,and got in through 'high grade' door locks.
On my replacement Ducato based Hobby,I now have a Disklok AND a Clutch Claw with an alarmed Hab and garage doors and deadlocks on the cab doors. If I lose a key I'm knackered.
Advice from the Police is don't rely soley on electronic protection,make it as difficult as possible for them ie its called 'Target Hardening'. I also have a unique code on the roof and will soon have a mural on the back,which makes the van less attractive as it is difficult to remove without leaving a trace.
Any simple system to prevent them starting it will also benefit,whether it is a concealed/disguised switch on the fuel pump or a fused removable link on the battery,preferably in an out of the way place. On one of my vehicles (before ECUs) I had an immobiliser which was controlled by a magnetic reed switch and relay the magnet was then placed close to it to start.
A good test is-if you lost the keys how would you gain access and start it, if you can't,good chance is the thieving scum will find it difficult

Failing that a poisonous snake wrapped around the steering wheel,Indian Cobras are good!!!
Click to expand...

Frankly IF anyone has a Transit with standard 'Tibbe' locks...
you may as well leave the doors open search YouTube for 'Tibbe lock pick' if anyone doesnt believe me.
 
As others have said go for the disklok they take seconds to fit,whereas a wheel clamp is not as easy to fit especially in the rain or dark and are easier for the thieves to remove
 
Would you give me your address so that I can park my Transit based van outside your home so that someone can come and pinch it, as they haven't done outside my house yet.
 
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