# Van security and tool theft > Van security for trades: deadlocks and slam locks, alarms, catalytic converter theft, what your insurer requires, and what to specify on a new van. Source: https://fleetme.co.uk/guides/van-security-and-tool-theft --- # Van security and tool theft By [the FleetMe team](https://fleetme.co.uk/about) · Updated 14 October 2026 · 11 min read The short answer **Van security works in layers: deadlocks or slam locks on every opening, an alarm that senses the load area, anti-peel reinforcement, and, the layer that matters most, nothing of value left in the van overnight.** ## What are van locks and alarms actually defending against? ## What do deadlocks, slam locks and hook locks each do? ## How do you tell a good lock from a marketing claim? ## What about alarms, immobilisers and keyless theft? ## Is catalytic converter theft still a risk? ## What will your insurer actually require? - The vehicle must be **locked, alarmed and immobilised** whenever it is unattended. That means all three, not the ones you remembered. - An **overnight exclusion** for tools left in the vehicle, or cover only between stated hours. - The vehicle kept **at a stated address overnight**. - A **sum insured** for tools, with a **single-article limit** that quietly caps your most expensive item. - **Report to the police and obtain a crime reference** within a stated period. ## What can you specify on a new van? ## What does fitting security to a leased van involve? ## Is the law on tool theft changing? ## Put a price on it Tell us the vehicle, the term and the annual mileage you need and we come back with a written quote, and we aim to do that the same working day. Rentals are quoted ex VAT with the VAT-inclusive figure alongside, and your agreement is with FleetMe. How many vehicles do you need? Takes a minute. No obligation. ## Enquiry received, one step to go. We can put a guide figure together from what you ve told us. To confirm the vehicle, the monthly rental and a delivery date **in writing**, we need your business details and the underwriting information. Next step · about 5 minutes Complete your business application It s pre-filled from your answers. Nothing is committed until we confirm your quote and you sign. No obligation · About 5 minutes Prefer to leave it there? We ll still be in touch about your enquiry. ## FAQs ### What is the difference between a deadlock and a slam lock? A deadlock throws a bolt when you turn a separate external key, so it is strong but relies on the driver using it, good for overnight security. A slam lock locks automatically as soon as the door shuts, which suits multi-drop and courier work where a driver is in and out constantly. ### Are Thatcham or Sold Secure ratings worth checking? Yes. Thatcham Research runs a security certification programme with a searchable database of certified products, and Sold Secure rates physical security by attack resistance. Police advice on catalytic converter protection references Sold Secure Gold specifically. Check the database rather than the advert. ### Does my van insurance cover tools stolen overnight? Often not. Motor insurance does not cover the load at all, and tools in transit policies frequently exclude or restrict overnight cover in an unattended vehicle. Check the conditions on locking, alarming, parking address and hours, plus the single-article limit, before you rely on the cover. ### How do I protect a catalytic converter? Fit a manufacturer-approved lock, clamp or cage tested to Sold Secure Gold, forensically mark the converter and register it on a national database, and park so access underneath is restricted (National Police Chiefs’ Council, 2021). Hybrids and higher-riding vans are the most targeted. ### Can I fit deadlocks to a leased van? Usually yes, but agree it with us in writing before installation, because it involves drilling the vehicle. Expect to remove the fittings and make good at the end of the term, and keep the original trim and fixings. A factory-fitted security pack avoids the question entirely. ### Does a tracker stop a van being stolen? No, a tracker is a recovery tool rather than a prevention tool. It can help police locate the vehicle and is often recognised by insurers, but it does not deter the attack. Pair it with physical locks, an alarm that senses the load area and an empty van overnight. ### Is tool theft sentencing about to change? A private member’s bill on sentencing for theft of tools of trade was introduced in the Commons on 23 April 2025 and was still before Parliament as at May 2026. It is not law, and private members’ bills often do not become law. Do not base a security decision on it. ## Next step Business van leasing → How the monthly rental is built, what is included, and who business contract hire is for. Business van leasing eligibility → The honest answer on who gets considered, and what we look at when we assess a business. Or go straight to the range: [browse vans and pickups](https://fleetme.co.uk/vans) · [company cars](https://fleetme.co.uk/cars) ## Related