Some **cker has tried to steal my van :(

[Simon]

Got home from a run just now to see the drivers door was slightly open. I thought that's odd as i definitely shut and locked it.
I get to the van and see that my steering wheel has been sawn through, steering cowling smashed to pieces and the ignition totally smashed out. Absolutely nothing was stolen from the glove box (a usb/cigarette lighter thing and a torch) and nothing in the back.

Stupid sods didn't even look in the back to see that the battery was missing (and the lid was removed so it was easily visible it was missing) as i removed in on Tuesday night to give it a charge (which i was going to do this weekend).

I've called the police and the insurance company and need to call a number tomorrow to get a call out to get it all fixed.

I am so gutted right now it's unbelievable. So far this van hasn't given me much joy

Can i get really good locks fitted or is it just a simple fact that Rascals are easy to break in to?

I also need to look into getting an alarm fitted as soon as it is fixed.

[J J 007]

you could put a hidden switch to your coil atleast they cannot start it

[Simon]

It's a more elegant solution than removing the battery or at least taking the negative off all the time. Or removing/disconnecting something in the engine so it won't go.

Can i do much to make it more secure and how easy would it be to get an alarm fitted, and what kind would be best?

[OddballDave]

It's a more elegant solution than removing the battery or at least taking the negative off all the time. Or removing/disconnecting something in the engine so it won't go.

Can i do much to make it more secure and how easy would it be to get an alarm fitted, and what kind would be best?

At twenty quid one of these is worth a visit to your local Maplins.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=347077

Other motor factors and items are available, but this looks a good 'screamer'

Dave

[AndyP]

Shame you didn't catch the little shits at it! Boils my blood when I hear about things happening like that! Some little darling smashed my nearside mirror a few weeks back overnight out side my other half's flat  They must have just walked by and punched it or something! Said to my missus the other day " the minute my new wheels are on the van, it aint staying out round her place anymore"
Hopefully Simon the bits wont cost ya too much.
Andy

[Vylet-Knight]

Thats bad news Simon!

They are nothing more than maggots. . . My brother had people sniffing around his van a week or 2 ago. . . We had the dash off it for a couple of days to rectify some wiring so it was just a mass of spaghetti wiring (no wheel etc). . . Undeterred they broke into his garage and made off with a new stereo which was about to be fitted as well as a pretty expensive stihl saw - god knows what else - he discovers something else has 'gone missing' everytime he goes in there!

I dont think that there is much that will stop them from taking your van if they're determined! ? ! ? Ive heard stories of vans being lifted onto towing dollies and driven away with the alarm screaming away! ! ! Bad news.

[Simon]

Having spoken (aka moaned) to a few people today there seems to be two obvious things i need to do:

a) Fit an alarm.
b) Buy two wheel clamps for the front wheels.

Essentially it is easy to break into. I can stop them stealing it easily by taking the battery out, fitting an imobiliser or taking something of ouf of the engine. None of these things will stop being breaking into it in the first place though, so the alarm and clamps seem to my best choice of deterant.

[>>CHOP<<]

THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT CONNECTING TO YOUR ALARM.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&v=fDrzMGdYWZc

[J J 007]

i know a few people i could use that on chop

[Turnip lover]

I'm really sorry to hear about your bad luck Simon.  Don't let it put you off the Rascal though.  It is very easy to get disheartened by such events but it will be worth it in the end!  On the positive side these thugs were beaten by a Rascal so I doubt they will try again as it seems to have completely confused them.  

[Simon]

The battery being dead in my house rather than full in the van might have something to do with it :p

[J J 007]

another idea get an isolater switch fitted to the battery

[Pirate]

Bad luck mate, shame you did not catch the little f**kers, we caught some kid jumping up & down on the roof of my mates motor a while back, we beat the little sod up big time & kicked him in the bollocks so hard i dont think he will be able to breed

[spacehopper]

I wouldn't bother with an alarm or any of that. Buy a big f**k off chain and padlock and wrap it around the steering wheel and lock it to the seat clip...or better still weld a loop onto the floor.
I've used this method in every vehicle I've owned and in 25 years have never had a vehicle stolen or broken into.......and I lived in Toxteth in Liverpool for 15 of those!
Vermin know how to disconnect alarms and work through most security devices but I've watched them ...they see my chain and move onto someone else vehicle!
A big chain is a major visual deterrant to stop them even bothering.

[J J 007]

i like pirates way,i caught a burglar the police said my arrest technique left alot to be desired,i said not my fault he was in know fit state to run off,he walked in my house i carried him out job done lol