Era Block Lock - additional rear door security

[4133kyle]

Following on from my recent concern over leaving my van In Barcelona and fitting a large and advertising additional rear door lock I suddenly remembered about Era Block Locks from my Landrover rebuild.

Anyway bought one and fitted it today.

Took a few quick pics as I fitted it as they may be helpful to someone.

Essentially the lock is a two part external 'block' that attaches from inside the rear door so you dont have to drill any external holes in the panelwork - you don't need to drill any internally but I modified its fitting slightly.

I pulled the seal off the door and fitted the lock underneath but trimmed the metal 'gripper' section from the seal where it fits around the lock, this still allows a weather proof seal and gives a lower profile to the lock so it doesn't foul the closing door.
The instructions say to use the included screws to 'jack' the lock in position but I drilled the inside of the rear door and fitted 'riv-nuts' to screw the lock bracket into. There are two more screws needed so the lock cant be pried away from the door 'to get behind it' but I need get some correct length screws rather than the overly long supplied screws or I might weld a steel plate/block to the inside of the bracket.

Result seems pretty secure and will protect against 'Tibbe' double unlocking. Time will tell. The lock was £26 from Ebay.

Fitting instructions.
http://www.era-security.com/media/downl ... 821231.pdf

WP_20140425_001 by Lara_Look_Fabulous, on Flickr

WP_20140425_010 by Lara_Look_Fabulous, on Flickr

WP_20140425_003 by Lara_Look_Fabulous, on Flickr

WP_20140425_007 by Lara_Look_Fabulous, on Flickr

[v8dave]

If someone wants into your van that will only advertise the fact that your protecting something.
Does the criminal care about damage ?
Will any thing you fit slow down someone with a crowbar or a disc cutter ?
The current generation of cordless angle grinders are impressive bits of kit.

I've not read the other thread but what about the side door ?

[Herts]

Good work Kyle, any extra lock helps with security. Most crimes are done by opportunist.

Andy

[bigjohnthomas]

I don't know if you have ever tried to break in to a transito ?
But if you've not got a funny key
You certainly wouldn't bother trying to force the door locks
they just won't budge
I just bent my jimmi bar
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=97570

[invernessguy]

As a locksmith, with a little bit of inside knowledge of how secure a transit is... Thats not going to stop anybody.
A theif will take one look at it and will attempt entry from another door. There are several easy (and quiet) ways into a mk6 and 7 van. They dont take much time either.
The drivers door lock is vulnerable, as it is very easily picked.
The central locking is vulnerable through a simple trick.
Once the van is unlocked, the side loading door will open, and anything in the back can be got at.
Best advice is park it somewhere secure and well lit, preferrably with cctv.

[invernessguy]

Oh yes...
I hadnt seen that type of lock before, but its just a standard 5 pin cylinder... That wouldnt take long to open either!
Security is all about deterring theives, but there is nothing there that woud stop them if your van looked attractive.

[mjsroofing]

I can get in that lock in 3p seconds.

[4133kyle]

The van is a welfare with a 2nd internal bulkhead so if the side door is opened via a Tibbe key and double unlocking the drivers door then they still cant access the rear load/cargo area. They could make a brew though!

I wanted something discreet that would deter or help protect our camping/personal belongings when the van isn't on a camp site. Its now painted white so blends in better. The other option was to fit an Abus locking plate thing that I have lying around ;
http://www.tooled-up.com/product/abus-1 ... wwodZCkAnQ

but I thought this shouted 'valuables on board a little too much.


I have a clutchclaw (borrowed from my Landrover) to help protect the van from being stolen.

[mjsroofing]

I will put some theifs off I suppose.

[invernessguy]

Best to get a door wiring protector plate. Thats hidden, and will help ptotect against a common entry point.
And weld you valuables to the floor!

[mjsroofing]

Maybe get a dog.