Technical Ducato Door Security

[Peter James]

Good Article Here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-two-van-security-ducato-boxer-relay-bulleyment-car-key-man

 

[Torq]

Everyone with one of these vans should read the article, it's an eye (and van) opener!!! It also explains the minor damage to the back door lock on mine. If anyone has a source of affordable security plates please link as the cheapest i've found so far is £100 for a pair of cut stainless steel plates and that seems a bit high.

 

[RS3100]

I have these:

https://www.protectavan.co.uk/vehic...006-present/ducato-sept-2006-present-proplate

Not all of these lock plates are the same and £100 for a pair of flat metal plates does seem exorbitant, if that is all that they are, but many including those I have linked to include a reinforced box that fits inside the door, totally enclosing the lock mechanism. They also have an extended profile around the lower edge of the handle which is the usual attack point.

 

[Peter James]

I've just drilled holes through the outer edge of both door frames, and slid a rod through to act as a bolt. (with an elastic band looped round it to stop it vibrating out). Cheap and effective, but of course you need to be inside the van to operate it.

 

[Peter James]

Will see if I can attach a photo. I cut the U bolt of a bike lock in half and stripped the plastic off to user as a bolt. The elastic holds it in place but its easy to slide. Most difficult part is lining up all 4 holes - I guess it would be easy with a long drill to go through them all in one go.

 

[Peter James]

I have these:

https://www.protectavan.co.uk/vehic...006-present/ducato-sept-2006-present-proplate

Not all of these lock plates are the same and £100 for a pair of flat metal plates does seem exorbitant, if that is all that they are, but many including those I have linked to include a reinforced box that fits inside the door, totally enclosing the lock mechanism. They also have an extended profile around the lower edge of the handle which is the usual attack point.

The article says 'The other method used is to simply pull the lock out of the plastic housing.' and they show other locks fitted.
So, as far as I can see, those plates alone won't prevent theives opening the door?

 

[RS3100]

The article says 'The other method used is to simply pull the lock out of the plastic housing.' and they show other locks fitted.
So, as far as I can see, those plates alone won't prevent theives opening the door?

No, but it addresses the most common, quickest (and least obvious to bystanders) method of entry. You are talking about brute force attacks.

You could also fit additional deadlocks, slam locks, etc. etc., turn your van into Fort Knox and end up spending half an hour unlocking it every time you wanted to get in or out, but it still wouldn't stop a determined thief who had decided they wanted to get into YOUR van. What one or other of these preventative measure may do is to make a speculative thief think it could be easier to find another van that hasn't got them fitted.

You have a very solid half of a bike lock in each door. OK, it's not apparent from outside, which may confuse a thief or even prevent entry, but not stop an initial attempt, because its not obvious to him (or her) that the measure is there until he's tried.

Suppose he was really intent on getting into your van rather than anyone elses? He might then decide to try a crow bar,peel the door frame down around the window or just cut through a side panel with a rotating saw.


Me, I'd probably just smash the glass and climb in!

 

[chris3234]

If you have anything of value inside get a cage welded to the interior then even if they get through the doors then then have to get through the cage to get anything

 

[Peter James]

try a crow bar,peel the door frame down around the window or just cut through a side panel with a rotating saw.


Me, I'd probably just smash the glass and climb in!

You may have to be very slightly slimmer and more agile than me to get through the side window.
Unless you were thinking of smashing the windscreen.
And you said it was me talking about brute force attacks noticeable to bystanders
I get that the door lock has drawbacks - you have to be inside to operate it, and thieves may have done (hopefully minor) damage before they discover it.
But its quick, cheap, and probably a serious handicap to the thief.
They wouldn't be inconspicuously in and out the back doors in a few seconds like in the you-tube vid.