Van Guard’s high quality, British-manufactured van locks and security products help protect van owners from the growing van and tool theft epidemic by giving them a vast amount of security solutions to choose from.
With van security the fastest growing sector in van accessories due to the ever-increasing rise in van break-ins across the UK, Van Guard, a leading British manufacturer of commercial vehicle accessories has tapped into previous experience in van security.
Entering the auto locksmith sector
Established as G. K. Land Engineering in 1976, the 70s and 80s saw the business specialise in the supply of precision machined components and industrial finishing to electronics, lighting, audio, and engineering products. In the early 90s, they were approached by a local utility company who were experiencing vehicle break-ins. This resulted in the development of aftermarket rear window grilles and blanks that provided a visual deterrent to opportunist thieves. The success of the window grilles allowed them to explore the van security market further by developing aftermarket Bulkheads, Tool Stores and Pipe Carriers under the Van Guard brand – all products still going strong.
In 2018, Van Guard undertook an in-depth assessment of the auto locksmith sector and concluded that there was an opportunity to enter the market successfully. Normally a project of this magnitude would take years rather than months, but Van Guard worked alongside a leading name in the van locks market, whilst utilising vast manufacturing facilities in Exeter, Devon, and previous experience in van security.
It has all come full circle for Van Guard with the introduction of its own range of Hooklocks, Slamlocks, Slamhandles and shielding products. Sheet metal was the starting point; with current Managing Director, Barry Woodward, joining G.K.Land as an apprentice back in 1981. With over 20 years specialising in the vehicle accessory market and hard-earned reputation for manufacturing high class van kit, auto locksmiths have the confidence in what Van Guard have designed, manufactured, and delivered.
Aftermarket security systems
A large range of bespoke locking systems and protection plates are available depending on the requirements, with all popular vehicles covered. Van model and door specific kits come as standard.
Aftermarket Hooklocks and Deadlocks are the most common and popular security upgrades for almost every van and their respective doors. Not only do they provide an additional controlled locking point to the van, it acts as a visual deterrent to opportunist thieves. Where the Hooklock differs is that the mechanism is thrown and hooks into the receiving strike plate bracket, offering next level security.
Van Guard’s Slamlocks work by de-activating the van’s factory fitted door handle and installing an additional surface mounted lock to the door. These are preferred by couriers and companies making multi-drop deliveries, where locking needs to occur every time without fail.
Many factory-fitted plastic door handles are a vulnerable point on the van, so Van Guard’s range of Slamhandles are a direct stainless steel replacement providing increased security, with the incorporation of a Slamlock into the handle or located nearby for easy secure operation.
Offering superior protection, our anti-spin Replacement Locks have been specifically designed for the cab doors of Ford Transit and Transit Custom models, with the manufacturer’s locks prone to attack – either by being picked or turning the cylinder with ease to unlock the mechanism.
Van Guard have developed a range of van model and door specific shielding products to address varying types of attack. Manufactured from high grade stainless steel, shields can be used as a deterrent and as a repair if the door or handle has already been damaged.
All bracketry is made from high-quality stainless steel, finished to the highest of standards, with installation being made simple with clear & detailed fitting instructions.
Unlock the potential of Van Lock Fitting
- Long established British manufacturer with 40+ years’ experience
- Dedicated Customer Service & Technical support
- Member of the Made in Britain campaign
- Next working day delivery
- Free leads based on your location
- All products designed and manufactured onsite
- Detailed fitting instructions
- Industry high security dimple key
- Keyed alike – across different van lock types
- Industry leading bracketry – high-quality Grade 304 stainless steel
- Innovative designed plastic escutcheons
- All popular vehicles covered
- Van & door specific kits as standard