Motorhome Robbery - Fiat Security

I realise that one of the major concerns with using straps is the potential need for an emergency exit.

What about using webbing with a quick release buckle?
 
The problem with straps is that they can easily be cut through, once the scroats have gained access via the often flimsy quarter light windows.

I use a plastic covered steel cable with end loops, which I feed through the steering wheel and the door handle (LHD A Class) and connect using a quick release carabiner. If the scroats do manage to open the door, it's not open enough to even slip a hand in but open enough to activate the Strikeback alarm. (y)

Cheers,

Jock. :)
 
its quite easy to open a van with central locking , the car thieves have been doing it for a long time
 
mickyc said:
Im thinking of getting some of these...

http://www.vanlocks.co.uk/choose-yo.../garrison-deadlock-fiat-ducato-sept06-present

I had R6 `s fitted to my 95 Boxer because the factory fitted locks were/are naff and I needed peace of mind. Guys from Vanloc came and fitted them at the house one morning. Efficient and professional job. Cost me £300 but worth it I think, even with the age of the van it protects my investment a bit more than without them. Hab door has internal locks and remote alarm, and a maligned Fiamma `bar outside. Oh and 2 `Kevin` teenagers when we are out and about ! :)
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Peter & Elaine said:
It was us that got broke into in Slovenia I alerted Jim to how they got due to the simplicity of how they did it but did not want publish the method now I know how they did it I recon I could open any 2007 fiat on in less then 3 seconds
The knocked a little cash from front of van and ignored every thing else I do t think they actually entered van they just opened from doors used a pole to reach anything containing cash
At least 5 other fiats on same services such were done using same method
And before anyone starts yes it is my fault for parking in service area and even more stupid I forgot to set alarm dummy or what
Lesson learnt
Will I park in a service area again proberbly but will I forget to set alarm I hope not
Onward now to Croatia


Ps we weren't gassed
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Am I right in assuming that alarming would have helped or does the method they use cancel the alarm as well ? I have a friend with a 2014 Fiat based van about to depart for his Autumn trip .

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I think the weak spot with all these extra locking devices is the fact that they're generally attached to biscuit tin thin door frames by a couple of self tappers, they need fixed with bolts and spreader plates to be effective. I doubt very much if they'd hold if you gave the door a decent pull :(
 
Cobweb said:
Am I right in assuming that alarming would have helped or does the method they use cancel the alarm as well ? I have a friend with a 2014 Fiat based van about to depart for his Autumn trip .
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The method just pops the locks and does not affect the Alarm. Deadlocks will keep them out and a door alarm will let you know if they are in. Using both is best. An obviously 'Alarmed" vehicle will point them toward softer targets.
 
I saw a clever device that was an extendable bar locked at the distance between the doors with a drop in pin. On each end a flat metal plate was welded at right angles. These two flat plates slid down between the glass and the door and the pin dropped into the hole. this prevented the opening of the front doors and if you needed to exit in a hurry, you just remove the pin and out you go !! It appeared small enough to store easily and didn't need any structural modification of the van. Also if you change vans, you just take it with you.
BUT, I can't find it online and as I don't work any more I am unable to fabricate it myself (which would be dead easy).
SO if any one can assist in finding it I would be grateful. But those of you still working, it would take less that an hour to make and paint.
Food for thought.
I don't like the idea of drilling holes in thin doors etc, but this was a good idea
in my opinion.
UPDATE:- It is called DOU PRO SECURITY BAR and it is made by Fiamma.
Costs about £36 to £40.
I will get one.

Mitch.
 
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Google fiamma duo safe pro security bar
 
Get one of these.. brighter than an LED awning strip too ..
flame.jpg

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I dont understand why people are not concerned with the damage done to open the door and instead are focussing on holding the door closed with internal devices

just to be clear, the would be thief punches a small hole in the outer doorskin to release the lock. the only way to stop them damaging the van is to reinforce the vulnerable area. stainless steel plates have been designed to prevent this and to repair the damage done during a break in. costs about £35 per door

http://www.van-locked.co.uk/Shop/Vans/Fiat-Ducato-~-Sept06TOcurrent/ProPlate.html
 
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Do these fit internally? Or are they fitted on the outside?
 
stevec said:
Do these fit internally? Or are they fitted on the outside?
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under the door handle outside. loosen the securing bolts inside the door and fit the plates then tighten up bolts. very simple but effective
 
Any pictures of them fitted?
 
Broken Link Removed

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This way of gaining entry been a round for years we were robbed in Paris (Foch car park) in 1989, Peugeot 504 3mm hole & they were in, must say when I took the door card off they were millimetre perfect Broken Link Removed
 
Thanks for the pic. Very unobtrusive. I wonder if this years Ducato is similarly vunerable.
 
yes I believe so, will ask my mate who is a master locksmith next time I meet up with him
 
Makes you wonder why manufacturers don't rectify these vunerabilities.
 
TheBig1 said:
I dont understand why people are not concerned with the damage done to open the door and instead are focussing on holding the door closed with internal devices

just to be clear, the would be thief punches a small hole in the outer doorskin to release the lock. the only way to stop them damaging the van is to reinforce the vulnerable area. stainless steel plates have been designed to prevent this and to repair the damage done during a break in. costs about £35 per door

http://www.van-locked.co.uk/Shop/Vans/Fiat-Ducato-~-Sept06TOcurrent/ProPlate.html
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Thanks for that but they're pricy for what I guess is a bit of laser cut stainless steel. Must start saving!

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DBK said:
Thanks for that but they're pricy for what I guess is a bit of laser cut stainless steel. Must start saving!
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having the door repaired or even the insurance excess is more than the piece of laser cut stainless steel. no doubt we are also paying for the idea, development and the experience like everything else. better quality than a great many of the plastic parts on a motorhome that cost much more. fairly easy to copy though and spend a few hours hand cutting your own version. I now I prefer to just buy such things ready made and simple to fit

as for being unobtrusive, you (and any potential thief) will see its there the casual observer maybe not. like many security devices, the knowledge you are protected outweighs the visual effect.

the only other way for the manufacture to prevent break ins using this method is fit a plate on the inside guarding the latch. wont stop a clueless thief trying it on and damaging a few doors to find out the latest, bestest version is reinforced inside. at least an external plate they can see will stop them trying
 
UPDATE:- It is called DOU PRO SECURITY BAR and it is made by Fiamma.
Costs about £36 to £40.
I will get one.

If you have internal blinds fitted, it may be a problem using them with the bar in place ?
 
jockaneezer said:
UPDATE:- It is called DOU PRO SECURITY BAR and it is made by Fiamma.
Costs about £36 to £40.
I will get one.

If you have internal blinds fitted, it may be a problem using them with the bar in place ?
Click to expand...

Yes it'd be impossible
 
the locked side is most vulnerable but the passenger side is also vulnerable to attack. and yes you need to remove the inner door card to access the bolts on the handle for fitting. Not a hugely difficult DIY job

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TheBig1 said:
the locked side is most vulnerable but the passenger side is also vulnerable to attack. and yes you need to remove the inner door card to access the bolts on the handle for fitting. Not a hugely difficult DIY job
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Thanks for all the info Big1. Going to order and fit to my pvc.

Cheers Al.
 
TheBig1 said:
the locked side is most vulnerable but the passenger side is also vulnerable to attack. and yes you need to remove the inner door card to access the bolts on the handle for fitting. Not a hugely difficult DIY job
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Thank you for the info and might give it a bash. I did find a video footage on you tube on how to do it and it sort of looked easy.
 
TheBig1 said:
I dont understand why people are not concerned with the damage done to open the door and instead are focussing on holding the door closed with internal devices

just to be clear, the would be thief punches a small hole in the outer doorskin to release the lock. the only way to stop them damaging the van is to reinforce the vulnerable area. stainless steel plates have been designed to prevent this and to repair the damage done during a break in. costs about £35 per door

http://www.van-locked.co.uk/Shop/Vans/Fiat-Ducato-~-Sept06TOcurrent/ProPlate.html
Click to expand...

Was going to order heosafe locks, but this makes plenty of sense, so just ordered from vanlocked, £95.40 inc VAT and delivery
 
PP shroud.jpg Pro plate.jpg Fitted these today, complete with shroud on the inside, now they can't get at the mechanism to open the door

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