Van Security Locks — Frequently Asked Questions

A van deadlock is a mechanical lock that operates independently of your van's existing central locking system. It's fitted to the door and the body of the van, secured with a high-strength bolt that throws into a strike plate. Deadlocks can only be operated manually with a separate key, which means even if a thief gains access to your van's cab or bypasses the central locking, they still cannot open a deadlocked door. Deadlocks are widely considered one of the most effective physical deterrents against van theft.

A hook lock is a heavy-duty security lock where a hook-shaped bolt engages with a reinforced keep (strike plate) fitted to the door frame. The hook design provides exceptional resistance against 'peeling' attacks — a common method thieves use where they pry the door away from the bodywork. Hook locks are particularly effective on side doors and rear barn doors of commercial vans. They work independently of the van's factory locking system and require a separate key to operate.

A slamlock automatically locks the van door when it is closed, without the driver needing to use a key. Inside the lock, a spring-loaded bolt engages when the door shuts. To open the door, you must use the key. Slamlocks are ideal for couriers, multi-drop delivery drivers, and anyone who makes frequent stops, as they eliminate the risk of forgetting to manually lock the van. They provide instant security between every delivery.

The best lock depends on your van make and model, how you use your van, and your specific security concerns. Deadlocks offer strong all-round protection and are the most popular choice. Hook locks provide superior resistance to peeling attacks on vulnerable doors. Slamlocks suit multi-drop drivers who need automatic locking. We recommend a combination of locks on different doors for maximum security. During our consultation, we'll assess your van and recommend the optimal setup.

Installation costs vary depending on the type of lock, the number of locks being fitted, and your van's make and model. As a rough guide, supply and installation of a single deadlock typically ranges from £120–£180, hook locks from £140–£200, and slamlocks from £130–£190. We provide free, no-obligation quotes for every job — just get in touch with your van details and we'll give you an exact price.

Most single lock installations take between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on the lock type and van model. Fitting multiple locks is more efficient when done in one visit. We always work to your schedule and can arrange installation at your home, workplace, or depot at a time that minimises disruption to your working day.

Yes — we supply and fit security locks for virtually all commercial vans on UK roads. This includes Ford Transit, Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes Sprinter, VW Transporter, Vauxhall Vivaro, Renault Trafic, Citroen Relay, Peugeot Boxer, Fiat Ducato, Nissan NV300, Toyota Proace, VW Crafter, Iveco Daily, and many more. If you're unsure, just give us a call with your van details and we'll confirm compatibility.

In most cases, fitting additional security locks can lower your van insurance premium. Many insurers offer discounts for Thatcham-approved or otherwise certified security devices. We recommend informing your insurer once the locks are installed — they may ask for the lock type and installation details, which we can provide. All the locks we fit are insurance-approved products from reputable manufacturers.

Yes, most van security locks are externally visible. This is actually a key benefit — visible locks act as a powerful visual deterrent. Thieves are far less likely to attempt a break-in when they can see additional security measures. Most of our customers prefer visible locks for this reason. The lock body sits neatly on the door, and we fit it in a position that looks professional and purposeful.

No. Professional installation involves precise drilling and mounting — our technicians are experienced and take great care to ensure a clean, factory-quality finish. The lock body covers the mounting area, and all edges are sealed and treated to prevent corrosion. The installation should be virtually indistinguishable from a factory-fitted lock when done properly.

Absolutely. Our mobile van lock fitting service covers Newcastle upon Tyne and the entire North East region including Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, North Shields, South Shields, Washington, Morpeth, Cramlington, Hexham, Blyth, and beyond. We come to your home, workplace, or depot — wherever is most convenient for you.

We're based in Newcastle and cover the full North East region: Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Northumberland, Washington, Morpeth, Hexham, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Cramlington, Blyth, Ashington, Prudhoe, Whitley Bay, Wallsend, Jesmond, Ponteland, Blaydon, and surrounding areas. If you're unsure whether we cover your location, just ask.

Yes — fleet security is one of our specialities. We work with businesses of all sizes to secure their commercial vehicle fleets. We offer bulk installation pricing, flexible scheduling (including evenings and weekends to minimise downtime), and consistent quality across every vehicle. We can also provide fleet security assessments and ongoing maintenance arrangements.

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours and can usually schedule installation within 3–7 working days, depending on current demand and the complexity of the job. For urgent requirements, let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate sooner.

Yes. All locks we supply come with a manufacturer's warranty (typically 1–2 years depending on the product). Our workmanship is also guaranteed — if there's any issue with the installation, we'll put it right. We stand behind the quality of our products and fitting.

The key difference is how they lock. A deadlock requires you to manually insert and turn a key to lock the door — you lock it when you leave the van. A slamlock automatically locks when the door is closed, so you never have to remember to lock it. Deadlocks give you full control; slamlocks give you automatic convenience. Many tradespeople fit deadlocks on rear doors (which they open less frequently) and slamlocks on side doors (for quick access during the working day).

While no lock is completely impenetrable, professionally fitted additional security locks make it significantly harder and more time-consuming for thieves to break in. Most van theft is opportunistic — thieves look for easy targets. Visible, high-quality security locks mean they'll almost always move on to an easier vehicle. The goal is to make your van the hardest target, and that's exactly what our locks do.

For comprehensive protection, we generally recommend fitting locks to all vulnerable doors. A typical setup might include a deadlock on each rear door and a slamlock on the side door. The exact recommendation depends on your van model and how you use it. During our consultation, we'll walk through the options and help you prioritise.

Van security locks require minimal maintenance. We recommend applying a graphite-based lubricant to the keyway every 3–6 months to keep the mechanism smooth. Avoid oil-based lubricants (like WD-40) in the lock cylinder, as these can attract dirt. Keep the lock body clean and check that mounting bolts remain tight. If you notice any stiffness or difficulty in operation, contact us for advice.

We supply locks from manufacturers that meet or exceed industry standards, including products tested to Sold Secure standards and recognised by insurers. While not all individual locks carry Thatcham approval, they are all insurance-approved products. We can advise on which specific locks may qualify for additional insurance discounts.

If a lock is damaged during an attempted break-in or stops functioning correctly, call us. We can assess whether the lock can be repaired or needs replacing. We keep common lock types in stock and can normally attend quickly to restore your van's security. Emergency call-outs are prioritised.

Yes. If your van's original factory locks are worn, damaged, or broken, we can supply and fit replacement locks. We match the correct lock to your van's make, model, and year. In many cases, we can upgrade to a higher-specification lock at the same time for improved security.

Yes. All installations are fully weather-sealed. We use gaskets, sealants, and corrosion-resistant fittings to ensure the lock remains weatherproof and functional in all conditions — from North East rain to winter frost.

You don't necessarily need to be present for the entire installation, but we do need access to the van. Most customers either stay on-site or arrange for us to work at their workplace or depot. We'll agree on the details when we book your appointment.

We accept cash, bank transfer, and card payments. Payment is normally taken on completion of the installation. For fleet and bulk orders, we can arrange invoicing with agreed payment terms.

Booking is easy — give us a call on 07511 539 396, or fill in our online quote form. Tell us your van make and model, which locks you're interested in (or ask for our recommendation), and your preferred dates. We'll confirm availability and book you in.

Absolutely. We're happy to share our expertise on all aspects of van security — from parking strategies and tool storage to security marking and tracking systems. While we specialise in physical lock installation, we understand the bigger picture of vehicle security and can point you toward complementary measures.

We're local, we're experienced, and we care about the work we do. We treat every van as if it were our own, we give honest advice (not a sales pitch), and we take pride in every installation. Our customers are tradespeople, sole traders, and fleet operators who rely on their vans every day — and we take that responsibility seriously.

We offer Saturday appointments (9am–2pm) to accommodate customers who can't take time off during the working week. Evening appointments may also be available by arrangement. Just let us know what works for you and we'll do our best to fit around your schedule.

First, ensure your safety and report the incident to the police. Document the damage with photos for your insurance. Then call us — we can assess the damage to your locks and doors, temporarily secure the van if needed, and arrange replacement or upgraded locks. We understand the urgency of these situations and will prioritise getting your van back to secure operation.