Protect your Vans!

Block Access: When parking, position your car's exhaust pipe as close as possible to a wall, fence, high kerb, or sturdy barrier. This limits the physical space a thief has to slide underneath or use a car jack.

Avoid Pavement Mounting: Never park with two wheels up on the pavement. Elevating one side of your vehicle creates an easier entry point for a thief to slip under. 

Park in Line-of-Sight: Park in well-lit, highly visible areas covered by CCTV. At home, parking on a gravel driveway acts as a noisy audio deterrent. [

Forensic Marking: You can use a forensic marking fluid or a security etching kit to write a unique ID number onto the metal. Displaying the accompanying window warning stickers tells thieves the part is registered, making it nearly impossible for them to sell to scrap metal dealers.

Tilt / Motion Alarms: Devices like the Cateye Electronic Alarm via CatStrap UK detect when someone gets close to or attempts to jack up your car, triggering a deafening siren to scare them away. 

What they are: Metal plates, cages, or straps installed underneath your car to protect your catalytic converter.

How they work: They act as a physical barrier and a visual deterrent, forcing thieves to spend too much time trying to cut through them.

Main options: You can choose between solid flat skid plates, wrap-around metal cages, or tough strap systems equipped with built-in alarms.

Cost & fitting: Protection typically costs between £60 and £180. Many shields can be easily bolted on at home using existing factory holes, while heavy-duty options can be installed by mobile fitting services.