Don't know if this post is appropriate and I am sure it will get moved/deleted if not.

While I have been aware that thieves could "slim-jim" a door or break a window to gain access, I have been painfully made aware of a new point of access.

They can pry up on the handle/latch unit and pry up the door lock. This method apparently raises less suspicion and fairly quick. Website for a product called "Jimmy-jammer" can explain better.

While parked on a busy street with lots of foot traffic I was victimized. Taking only loose property and not trashing the truck.

Just an FYI.

 

I believe there was. Video on u-tube about this. Scary .

 

An excellent solution to defeated door handles and factory locks is a device called The Auto Bolt. The goofs simply cannot breech these things---worth looking into if you carry valuable stuff like tools etc in a van.

They work for any vehicle though.

 

unfortunately, nothing is security proof. the bad guys will always figure out a way to defeat security systems.
the only way around this is to not drive to places where the crooks go.

 

That's mostly true TJC---but at some point we become home bound!

There's no way to keep everyone out of every thing or place we want to keep secure. Vehicle security has evolved into delaying entry or alerting others of an intrusion. IMHO if we can simply slow them down with more difficult to breach doors, windows etc while also triggering some sort of alarm or flashing lights we've done a lot to stop our stuff disappearing.

Most crooks don't spend more than a very few seconds trying to gain access to parked vehicles, more often smashing and grabbing stuff left out in open view.

My only fear is once I've burgler-proofed my work van won't they just steal it completely, parting it out in the comfort of a chop shop somewhere?

 

a kill switch works if you dont want your car stolen.

it fairly simple to break into these trucks especially pushing on the vent window and slipping you hand into the inside door handle. my truck was broken into in texas at the mall when my uncle was still driving it and the door was open as well as the hood. apparently they tried to drive off with it but couldnt get it started, thanks to a kill switch. my uncle installed one behind the seat and make a cover to keep it hidden and a dummy switch to a siren underneath the dash.

if you make it more trouble then its worth most people will just give up... my tailgate is even theft proof, mine was stolen, so on the bottom of the hinge a stud got welded on so now you have to unbolt both bottom hinges to even take the tailgate off.