I frequent a technical forum for security technicians. Most of these technicians are self-employed locksmiths who operate their business from their truck. They have a home office for handling paper work, but 99% of their income is made from the tools on their service van.

Every once in a while a locksmith will post in the forum that his truck was broken into and several expensive tools were stolen, or they were completely cleaned out. A tradesman without tools is, “out of business.” I did not have any extra security locks on my truck for a long time. I read about two locksmiths who were cleaned out by burglars and I decided to secure my truck with some steel hasps and “hockey-puck” locks. I also added Lexan behind the windows in the back of the van. Lexan is an unbreakable sheet of clear or tinted plastic. Lexan is easy to cut or drill through but near impossible to smash with a hammer.

When I purchased my van, I bought a steel cabinet package with the truck. The package included a steel divider which separates the cab from the back of the van where most of the tools are stored. Even without the steel divider my truck is much harder to rob because any tools taken would have to be passed through one of the windows in the cab, or the front windshield would have to be smashed out.

The American Lock Company has been making heavy duty hasps and padlocks for many years. The hasp I used for my van doors is model number A800 and is specifically designed to be used with the “hockey-puck” lock. American Lock Company calls it a Superlock, but the lock is shaped just like a hockey-puck, hence the name.

There are several companies who make the “hockey-puck” lock, but American Lock Company made it first. The lock is made of solid steel and the shackle is not exposed in any way. There is nothing to cut or pry apart. When the “hockey-puck” lock is used with the A800 hasp, the lock is protected by a steel shroud. There is no fast way to break into this lock system with crowbars and sledge-hammers.

One of my customers stored his van in his warehouse space and thought he was safe. But burglars broke into the space and stole all the expensive tools off his truck. Now he locks the truck with the A800 hasp and “hockey-puck” locks while it sits in the warehouse space. This locking system will slow and probably stop many burglars who are looking for a quick score.

Another customer had a second van which was only used for moving large equipment. The problem was the key would not unlock the side or back door. A person had to climb in through the cab and unlock the doors from the inside. I installed the A800 hasp but I used American Lock’s 2500 series lock. This lock uses a spring loaded steel pin and the key hole is in the face of the lock. The lock is much easier to operate, especially when it is used as the main lock on the door.

Many burglars and thieves look for opportunity. A person who thinks, “A lock will only keep the honest people out,” is a thief’s best customer. Everyday a car window is smashed and a women’s purse is stolen because the purse was left in plain sight. Everyday a car is stolen because the owner left the car running while they ran into the convenience store for a quick drink or snack. Many times on the local news I see now more than ever home-invasions are taking place. Usually the front door is kicked in with one blow. A good lock properly installed would slow this down and maybe even stop the crime cold in its tracks.

Be safe, be aware and invest in securing your property and protecting your family.