Falkirk Flyer Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 Security is close to all our hearts but I never seem to see any posts on how best to protect out vans. My last van a Dethleff on Ducato 2004 was broken into twice in France. I fitted a Fiamma twisting plate which swivelled acroos the side door and fitted Helosafe deadbolt locks to the cab doors. This seemed to do the trick. The earlier break ins were by using a screw driver to punch through the key hole of the cab doors which then pops open the central locking to both doors. When I changed van earlier in the year to a brand new Ducato 2011 Rapido 700FF. The dealler claimed the new Ducato was much more secure. I also found out that the Helosafe deadbolt system did not fit the latest Ducato without drilling... and was also an issue if blinds are fitted to cab windows. So in Barcelona... a quiet residential street whilst visiting a Gaudi park some idiot used a screw driver on the van side door to gain entry. Incredibly they did not steal anything. Next day I had a local motorhome dealler fit a Fiamma swivel plate to the side door. When I returned home I glued a black painted coin over the single front door key hole.... no screw driver getting through this. I will be able to remove the coin if I ever need to use the key to gain entry rather than using the electronic key method. Does anyone have any further advice on improving security on new vans? Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 This may be the man / business to help you. On the home page are shown high security dead bolts that this company fits to the latest Ducato van.That is what I would go for personally. Why on earth converters cannot get their act together and fit them at the factory is beyond me. Failing that, someone sat inside with an AK47 ! http://www.harrisonlocks.co.uk/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 Buy an old van then they wont think its worth breaking in..........................................I hope:-S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 pelmetman - 2011-12-03 10:58 PM Buy an old van then they wont think its worth breaking in..........................................I hope:-S I try to give the guy some useful info above,and you jump in with that crap, I mean with respect what's the point. >:-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 1footinthegrave - 2011-12-03 11:04 PM pelmetman - 2011-12-03 10:58 PM Buy an old van then they wont think its worth breaking in..........................................I hope:-S I try to give the guy some useful info above,and you jump in with that crap, I mean with respect what's the point. >:-( You know me too well 1foot..............the point is I haven't one (lol)............... ;-) Except maybe old vans don't display the same amount of apparent wealth......................... or debt ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 This may be the man / business to help you. On the home page are shown high security dead bolts that this company fits to the latest Ducato van. http://www.harrisonlocks.co.uk/ Posted again as it may be of genuine help to the OP and others that do not know of this company or solution. To the poster above, don't worry I own a piece of crap as well, but I still don't want anything nicked out of it ! ! ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 1footinthegrave - 2011-12-03 11:15 PM To the poster above, don't worry I own a piece of crap as well, but I still don't want anything nicked out of it ! ! ! Yours might be 1foot, but mine is a much cherished family heirloom:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 Oh dear, I'm so sorry you've had the break-ins, perhaps it was the fact that it was a quiet street that was the problem with your latest break-in? Somewhere more public might have avoided it, but you can't be sure. What I don't understand though is how the painted coin is going to stop someone gaining entry? If you can remove it so can someone else with a screwdriver? Or have I misunderstood how you've fixed it? :-S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJay Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 Falkirk Flyer - 2011-12-03 10:13 PM Security is close to all our hearts but I never seem to see any posts on how best to protect out vans. My last van a Dethleff on Ducato 2004 was broken into twice in France. I fitted a Fiamma twisting plate which swivelled acroos the side door and fitted Helosafe deadbolt locks to the cab doors. This seemed to do the trick. The earlier break ins were by using a screw driver to punch through the key hole of the cab doors which then pops open the central locking to both doors. When I changed van earlier in the year to a brand new Ducato 2011 Rapido 700FF. The dealler claimed the new Ducato was much more secure. I also found out that the Helosafe deadbolt system did not fit the latest Ducato without drilling... and was also an issue if blinds are fitted to cab windows. So in Barcelona... a quiet residential street whilst visiting a Gaudi park some idiot used a screw driver on the van side door to gain entry. Incredibly they did not steal anything. Next day I had a local motorhome dealler fit a Fiamma swivel plate to the side door. When I returned home I glued a black painted coin over the single front door key hole.... no screw driver getting through this. I will be able to remove the coin if I ever need to use the key to gain entry rather than using the electronic key method. Does anyone have any further advice on improving security on new vans? Alan Barcelona is reported to be the most crime ridden city in Spain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJay Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 Mel B - 2011-12-03 11:37 PM Oh dear, I'm so sorry you've had the break-ins, perhaps it was the fact that it was a quiet street that was the problem with your latest break-in? Somewhere more public might have avoided it, but you can't be sure. What I don't understand though is how the painted coin is going to stop someone gaining entry? If you can remove it so can someone else with a screwdriver? Or have I misunderstood how you've fixed it? :-S If fitted with super glue (The Coin) , you would need a solvent to un-glue it, so one hopes the thief dose not carry any!! Mind you if they see it's a coin, maybe they would want that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 Does anyone have any further advice on improving security on new vans? Was his question. Also he is a new forum member and right now I'm guessing he's wondering why he bothered, come on, this must be something others have experience of. Can I suggest contributions from "family heirloom" members excepted on this occasion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trevor166uk Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 totally agree with you onefoot. Its why I don't often post. However this website may be of help here http://www.locksonline.co.uk/acatalog/Citroen_Relay_Mark_3_ARMAPLATE_Van_Lock.html They supply protective plates to improve the security of van doors. They are probably more suitable for the cab doors or for van conversions but are worth a look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 As has been pointed out in the past, if you stop someone forcing the doors then they will probably smash a window instead *-).............................. Personally I would never want to leave my old van alone in any city, let alone Barcelona 8-)...............If I wanted to visit a city I would leave my van on a campsite and get public transport ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkirk Flyer Posted December 4, 2011 Author Share Posted December 4, 2011 thanks for the feedback. The idea of the coin covering the keyhole is just to put off the casual passer bye thief. The first break in they broke into my Dethleff in a busy tourist car park with people around... the second time was whilst we were asleep inside whilst at a motorway services near Lille.... at this stage I had the deadlocks so they did not gain access but the central locking was poped open. Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sshortcircuit Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 I use a "garden shed" security cable. Its approximately 3m in length of plastic coated wire rope with an eye at each end. It loops through each door handle, through he base of the steering column and through the steering wheel. If the door is forced open, as its over the horn push, the horn sounds. No holes to drill and quick to remove. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobalobs Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 We had aftermarket deadlocks fitted to our 2002 Morello and this involved drilling. However our 2010 Morello has deadlocks fitted by the factory. Friends have a 2010 Adria and have discovered their van has deadlocks fitted but they have been deactivated by the converter. It appears that a number of European converters do this and I can only assume in this litigous world they fear being sued if someone locks themselves in and an emergency arises. It may be worth checking if they are fitted and if so try and cajole your Fiat dealer to activate though you will be asked to sign your rights away in blood!! Does anyone know whether the Fiat deadlocks are as secure as the aftermarket deadlocks such as fitted to our 2002 van? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HymerVan Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 The attack on the side door here was on a coachbult where the side doors are I think always going to be more vulnerable than a cab door. Are there known vulnerabilities on the cab and sliding doors of the latest generation of Ducatos? According to their specification these have factory deadlocks but can they be easily overcome e.g. by drilling? I appreciate that cab windows can be smashed but if the door is deadlocked it will at least slow a thief down. As far as the rear doors of a van conversion are concerned do these need additional protection as well ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallii Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 I have fitted "Euro" deadlocks on my Hymer front doors. Deadlocks cannot be opened by simply smashing the glass and using a tool as on some sorts of internal lock. They are an excellent visual deterrent and are very strong. I have fitted lock bolts on the locker (garage) doors and the habitation door has an extra Hymer lock fitted. The windows have small alarms fitted and the latches are pinned closed when not in use. The alarm can be set and the internal sensors turned off. I carry a suitable item for self protection. It works for me :-D Now, I know about fire safety, I reckon I can get out in plenty of time. I know I am paraniod, and I know I shouldn't resist and attack a burglar with any item, but if someone breaks in I will, it will be him or me. H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 As a first step I do think the OP should try to be a bit more security concious with his choice of parking places. Barcelona, and a motorway Aire would not be my choices. I ditto other comments as to choice of parking place, leave your van on a site, and travel in by public transport,not fool proof, but it does improve the odds against it happening to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 I have had heosafe locks fitted by Paul Harrison before, a very good service. Can I also suggest "armourplates" over door locks, as this prevents the popular and easy screwdriver prising form of entry..... http://www.directlocks.co.uk/armaplate-fiat-ducato-mark-lock-protection-vehicle-armaplates-p-2274.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 1footinthegrave - 2011-12-04 10:47 AM As a first step I do think the OP should try to be a bit more security concious with his choice of parking places. Barcelona, and a motorway Aire would not be my choices. I ditto other comments as to choice of parking place, leave your van on a site, and travel in by public transport,not fool proof, but it does improve the odds against it happening to you. :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spike Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 1footinthegrave - 2011-12-03 10:53 PM This may be the man / business to help you. On the home page are shown high security dead bolts that this company fits to the latest Ducato van.That is what I would go for personally. Why on earth converters cannot get their act together and fit them at the factory is beyond me. Failing that, someone sat inside with an AK47 ! http://www.harrisonlocks.co.uk/ Fitting a deadlock as shown in the link is a good idea because the thief would still be unable to open the door even if the window is smashed. One thing I would add is, rather than using a Euro profile lock system as shown in the link, the traditional lever lock would be a better option for security reasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 Alan, did your 2011 Ducato base Rapido come with the factory fit deadlocks? If so, they will resist access via a broken cab window as the internal release handles will be disengaged. The deadlocks are usually set by a double press, or similar, on the remote. I suggest you check with Fiat re whether using a screwdriver in the cab door keyhole could release the deadlocks. Re your superglued coin, don't forget you may need to unlock the cab doors that way if the remote fails. Depends on access via the habitation door and whether the cab doors release when the engine is started. Don't have the Fiat base, so don't know, but driving with the deadlocks on is not desirable. Does the habitation door not also lock when locking the cab doors on the Rapidos? I had understood that it did. If so, I'm a little surprised the fitted lock yielded to a screwdriver. However, as you now have the Fiamma supplementary lock you have probably done what is sensible. You could add additional Fiammas to any external traps, to prevent theft from lockers, but also to prevent entry via these if that is a possibility. It is possible to get external roller shutter blinds for the windows, which are the next most vulnerable element due to their flimsy catches. However, the cost is not insignificant. You could fit an alarm. If you do, get the best, a low quality alarm is liable to cause more problems than it might solve. It needs to be one specifically designed for motorhome use, to be designed to integrate fully with the Fiat electronics, and to be fitted by a specialist who knows those electronics. The one most often quoted is by Vanbitz. It would probably give the greatest peace of mind if you prefer city car parks etc. I gather it makes quite a racket! :-) I think the advice above to be more selective where you park is potentially the most cost effective remedy. Foreign registered, high value, vehicles are a magnet for thieves, because they expect to find cash and high value goodies inside. Beware city car parks of any type. Park outside on an aire or campsite, and use public transport. Never overnight on motorway rest, or service, areas. Use campsites, or proper motorhome aires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HymerVan Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 Brian Kirby - 2011-12-04 7:11 PM Alan, did your 2011 Ducato base Rapido come with the factory fit deadlocks? If so, they will resist access via a broken cab window as the internal release handles will be disengaged. The deadlocks are usually set by a double press, or similar, on the remote. I suggest you check with Fiat re whether using a screwdriver in the cab door keyhole could release the deadlocks. Brians response takes me back to the question I posed asking if anyone had suffered a successful attack by drilling forcing or otherwise of cab doors or side door on a "new model" PVC Ducato/Peugeot Boxer/Citroen Relay ? I am trying to gauge whether supplementary locks are worthwhile or whether the factory fitted deadlocks are resistant to attack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkirk Flyer Posted December 5, 2011 Author Share Posted December 5, 2011 Thanks Brian for the comprehensive reply. I'll check out if my van has factory fitted deadlocks. The coin is bonded with double sided tape so not as permenant as superglue but still a visiual distraction to the passing thief.... I hope.... yet still removable if I need ti hav ekey access.. The caravan door is linked by central locking to the cab doors and yes it did yield easily to a prode with screwdriver I'll be much more careful in future on where I park and overnight Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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