Alternative to a Transit?

[eldar]

The third break in in 3 months now is convincing me a van is a bad idea to carry the tools around in. £3,000 in tools, plus damage to the van is getting silly, and the robbing bds seem completely unworried about getting caught.

So, large, boring estate that will take a roof rack and not act as a crack addict magnet needed. Volvo is the obvious choice, what else would fit the bill.

Tonights tinopening...

[eldar]

sherman said:

I take it moving to a better area or a keeping the van in a more secure area is not an option?

As above fit better locks

What makes you think keeping £3000 of tools in a car with windows that can be seen through is a better idea than in a van?

Location seems irrelevant,sadly. Outside customers and tonight a leisure centre. Cctv, but the scrotes are aware, so gloves and balaclavas.

Locks a possibility, but a slabcutter takes the side of the van out in 30 seconds.

An estate is, at least, anonymous. Van break ins are endemic, and getting worse.

[eldar]

Heaveho said:

I live in fear of this. 2018 Transit Connect. Nothing of any value in it, but that doesn't stop the bds peeling the side door down to find out. I'm trying to do something about it without using the unsightly locks that seem to be the only solution at the mo. I like Transits though, they drive great, and are generally reliable.

It is a big problem. Vans are assumed to carry a portable and easily resold load. Easy money for the scrotes, decent stuff is shipped out to Romania and reappears on ebay, less good pubs or sunday markets.

I stick to Festool stuff, at least it has some insurance and a good tracking system.

[eldar]

Venisonpie said:

http://www.borastonfunerals.co.uk/ourservices.php

It did have a sticker saying 'no bodies left in van overnight'. That got stolen, oddly.

Van theft is endemic, and the costs getting out of hand. The cost of tools, repairs to the van, increased insurance premiums and lost time is getting on for 20% turnover.

[eldar]

stevemcs said:

All you can do is buy yourself time, we had a customer who wanted to upgrade the lock and I spoke to a specialist who said you can fit them but if you make it too tough and they want in they just cut a hole in the roof. That was locks for a Transporter where they punch a hole behind the sliding door handle and let themselves in

Don't even need a cutter. They get on the roof, push the top of the rear door with their feet, and it folds. Open in 20 seconds.

[eldar]

Just to add a bit of comedy. Woke up early this morning to discover two smackheads trying to remove the ladder rack. Fortunately for them they could run faster than me.

[eldar]

sherman said:

I would say that if you are now up to 4 robbery sttempts in 4 months you either need to find more secure storage for your van or move to a better area.

This is the answer, i suspect. It is actually quite depressing just how many vans get broken into. Camper vans, builders, anything.

[eldar]

Cunning plans. Tools now tagged with modified airtags, the loudspeaker disabled. Should provide some help in tracing them.

Using the van much less, only taking whats needed. Not as convenient, but safer.

Long term, leaving Coventry.