Van operators are being swamped by a tidal wave of crime, with theft of and from their vehicles threatening to overwhelm them. As a consequence more and more hard-pressed businesses are specifying additional aftermarket security measures for their vehicles in a bid to combat the menace; and the more effective they are, the better.
Fast becoming a byword for quality products in this hard-fought sector, TVL Security has won our Aftermarket Accessories Company of the Year accolade.
The word ‘accessories’ is something of a misnomer in this context, because it hints at something that is useful, but not vital. What TVL can supply is essential so far as many light commercial operators are concerned.
Its security solutions are approved by van market leader Ford and include Replock, a high-security anti-pick lock cylinder that prevents the lock on the driver’s door from being picked open. It is standard in three Ford security packs developed by the two companies; SlamHandle, HookLock and ArmourShell.
The first one features solid stainless-steel latch shields on the rear and side load area doors to help stop thieves drilling through the lock mechanism to access the van. The doors lock automatically when the driver pushes them shut – a boon for anybody on multi-drop work.
The second pack on the list encompasses a front door wiring loom guard, deadlocks on the driver and passenger doors, and hook locks on the cargo area’s side and back doors. Pack number three includes everything that HookLock does plus the extra visual deterrent of external semi-automatic locks on the side and rear load doors, with anti-drill inserts and a hardened steel locking bolt.
All the TVL products are approved by independent arbiters Sold Secured and Secured by Design. All keys are registered with the International Security Register (ISR), with a unique security code allowing any that are lost to be returned safely to the owner.
TVL points out that tools are stolen from a van every 20 minutes across the UK, and 50% of van crimes occur in broad daylight. As a consequence it has developed Tell TVL.
It asks people who have had their light commercials stolen or items stolen from them to report all the details, with images, to www.tellTVL.co.uk – that is of course in addition to reporting the crime to the police.
Securely recorded as agreed with the National Business Crime Centre, the data is collated and shared with the law enforcement authorities in support of central efforts to crack down on van crime.
Registered Tell TVL users get free anonymised data reports highlighting crime hotspots. They also receive targeted crime prevention advice based on trends in entry methods so van owners can be aware of all potential risks.
Tell TVL is hosted in partnership with the ISR and guarantees that the information it receives about individual crimes will be shared with noone other than the police. Website users are not obliged to give their contact details.
TVL has taken this step because police databases are organised regionally. This means that while some statistics are available, a detailed and accurate national picture of the true scale of van crime is not readily available.
Highly Commended: Motormax
Motormax’s wide range of invaluable products ensured that it secured our Highly Commended award.
Its portfolio includes Safetymax, which includes up to 16 ultrasonic sensors in a 360-degree detection system to provide drivers with a clear indication of any obstacles around the vehicle. It employs a traffic light system showing safe distances from potential obstructions during manoeuvring.
Drivers can be alerted if, for example, they have left a side load area door open, and the package can be integrated with on-board cameras and a telematics system. If a tail-lift is not stowed properly then the vehicle can be immobilised until the situation is rectified.
Over 3,500 vehicles are equipped with Safetymax. Fleet users include Ringway Jacobs, Kier Highways and Tesco, and the data it can capture can be used as a training tool to improve driver behaviour.
Its presence means that vehicles are less likely to be involved in accidents, and suffer damage. Insurance costs should fall as a consequence.
