Lots of vans being broken into in Leeds area
Discussion
Just a heads-up really but local groups I'm a member of are reporting a massive rise in vans being targetted for their contents. I'm hearing about organised gangs targetting south Leeds in vehicles on false 'plates but the local media don't seem to be picking up on it for some reason.
The process they use seems to be to "peel" the doors of the van open to gain entry, something like 35 were done in the space of a few hours yesterday evening apparently.
If you have a van or know or anyone with one it might be wise to remove valuables, park in a secure location and upgrade security if you can. Unfortunately the nature of a van means they are getting damaged even if they are empty but I guess it's better to repair a door than try and replace the tools of your trade.
Lots more reports on https://www.facebook.com/groups/750073118480147/
The process they use seems to be to "peel" the doors of the van open to gain entry, something like 35 were done in the space of a few hours yesterday evening apparently.
If you have a van or know or anyone with one it might be wise to remove valuables, park in a secure location and upgrade security if you can. Unfortunately the nature of a van means they are getting damaged even if they are empty but I guess it's better to repair a door than try and replace the tools of your trade.
Lots more reports on https://www.facebook.com/groups/750073118480147/
Edited by thetapeworm on Tuesday 3rd January 12:50
I found out about this method on a transit forum about 6 months ago, despite my van being almost always empty (and always empty overnight) I don't want the scumbags getting into/sealing my van, so for xmas I got a remote central locking kit, plan is to fit the solenoids so they operate deadlocks all the way round the side door on a separate locking system to the main van one.
In addition I've removed all external door locks due to the risk from the Tibble pick and ECU swap/OBD hack theft method.
Then I saw this the other day.....
short of insulating all delicate electronics with an earth isolator switch and fitting an electric fence feed to the body work how can you actually secure a van now?
The really sad thing is how little time/effort/resources the police put/have available into catching these kind of thieves, if a shop or house was broken into and £15k was stolen, it would be high priority, however in many cases people have similar value of tools stolen and the police don't/can't even come out to do basic forensics/investigation. These scumbags are seriously ruining peoples lives and businesses!
In addition I've removed all external door locks due to the risk from the Tibble pick and ECU swap/OBD hack theft method.
Then I saw this the other day.....
short of insulating all delicate electronics with an earth isolator switch and fitting an electric fence feed to the body work how can you actually secure a van now?
The really sad thing is how little time/effort/resources the police put/have available into catching these kind of thieves, if a shop or house was broken into and £15k was stolen, it would be high priority, however in many cases people have similar value of tools stolen and the police don't/can't even come out to do basic forensics/investigation. These scumbags are seriously ruining peoples lives and businesses!
Unfortunately it seems that all you can do is slow them down and hope it's enough to put them off and move to an easier target. Even if you put a cage on the inside to create a double barrier you're still going to lose against and angle grinder 
Presumably sales of used security vans will rise now.
Presumably sales of used security vans will rise now.
Bit late to the party but I've seen a few people ratchet strap the inside of the side doors to stop them peeling door out, not sure if it works on different models
I had my old Peugeot bipper van broke into twice, when I got it it was brand new with just a mile on clock, couple of week later they just popped a flat head screwdriver under rear lock and door was open 😔 did my van twice, no alarm on back and they were in and out in seconds
I have a vauxhall combo at the min and I back it up against a lampost, side door hasn't been peeled yet *touch wood* nothing in of value but not the point, manufacturers need to step up van security imo
I had my old Peugeot bipper van broke into twice, when I got it it was brand new with just a mile on clock, couple of week later they just popped a flat head screwdriver under rear lock and door was open 😔 did my van twice, no alarm on back and they were in and out in seconds
I have a vauxhall combo at the min and I back it up against a lampost, side door hasn't been peeled yet *touch wood* nothing in of value but not the point, manufacturers need to step up van security imo
My mate had his van broken into with a key!
happened last 7pm night on Windmill lane at howden clough,his van was parked on the road luckily his mrs noticed and screamed at them until they buggered off. She got their number but apparently the plate was a clone, and whilst the police were taking a statement they broke into another van in Birkenshaw
happened last 7pm night on Windmill lane at howden clough,his van was parked on the road luckily his mrs noticed and screamed at them until they buggered off. She got their number but apparently the plate was a clone, and whilst the police were taking a statement they broke into another van in Birkenshaw
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