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Van Security Story

Public Education

I am the original (OG) Van Security YouTuber with the 1st video on YouTube to show what a deadlock is in 2009 and I’ve been with you every step of the way for 17 years

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Jeff Scott, the OG Van Security YouTuber

I am the original (OG) Van Security YouTuber with the 1st video on YouTube to show what a deadlock is in 2009 and I’ve been with you every step of the way for 17 years

Helping the Public Understand Van Security

YouTube thumbnail: Secure your van and tools. Increase your van's security - Van Deadlock Installation
Mar 13, 2009

Secure your van and tools. Increase your van's security - Van Deadlock Installation

Deadlocks fitted to a VW Transporter Van, see what you can do to secure your van and your contents. Don't be a victim of crime in these hard times you cannot afford to loose your tools! What is a deadlock? Watc

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When I started my van security YouTube channel in 2009, most van owners didn’t have access to videos showing what the different types of locks and security products were, and it wasn’t common knowledge how a slamlock, deadlock or Armaplate operated, or even what they looked like when fitted to a van.

YouTube thumbnail: What is a Slamlock? Locks 4 Vans T Series Van Locks demonstrated and explained
Sep 6, 2013

What is a Slamlock? Locks 4 Vans T Series Van Locks demonstrated and explained

In this video Jeff Scott from Sussex Installations demonstrates what a van slamlock is and who should be having slamlocks fitted to their vans. If you are a courier or tradesman then watch this video and our Ultimate loc

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They might have a friend tell them that they should have slamlocks fitted, or call an installer who recommends Armaplate or deadlocks, but my thinking was that the van owner should be given the correct information about what the products are, how they operate and what they would look like fitted to a van. This way, a van owner who was about to spend several hundred pounds on a security product that would be permanently fitted to their van, with holes being drilled or cut into it, would be able to make up their own mind — with advice if they needed it — as to what security product would suit them best.

As an example, at this time we would have someone try to book us to fit slamlocks without a clue what slamlocks were. All they knew is that their friend Bob said they should have slamlocks, or a van lock fitter said they should have slamlocks (possibly because that fitter didn’t even fit deadlocks). I would then ask what van the owner had and what they used it for. I remember one replying that it was a campervan he wanted slamlocks fitted to, and I couldn’t think of a more unsuitable lock for a leisure vehicle like a campervan to have.

YouTube thumbnail: Van security DEADLOCKS? SLAMLOCKS? Or ARMAPLATE?
Jan 4, 2014

Van security DEADLOCKS? SLAMLOCKS? Or ARMAPLATE?

What is the difference between a SLAMLOCK, a DEADLOCK or ARMAPLATE? What is the best way to SECURE your VAN? What are the best VAN LOCKS for my VAN SECURITY.

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The owner might be camping far from home, even in another country, with all his worldly goods inside his campervan, then walk outside, the wind blows the door shut, and the door automatically locks with him standing in another country, locked out of his own van. Then throw in alcohol when enjoying the outdoors, making him even less likely to remember to carry his keys every time he stepped outside.

I knew something needed to change, and I would be the person to educate van owners so that they could make informed decisions about which lock or security product suited their needs best, and what would give them the best value for their money.

I wanted to help make reliable security information understandable and accessible. Through our YouTube channel, I have explained the risks faced by van owners and the practical steps they can take to reduce them. Rather than relying on fear, I have focused on clear education: understanding common methods of entry, choosing suitable locks and alarms, storing tools responsibly, improving parking habits, and using visible deterrents.

YouTube thumbnail: Ford Transit Factory Alarm Upgrade, Replock, Cargo Sensor, Side Door Anti-fold Switch
Jul 10, 2016

Ford Transit Factory Alarm Upgrade, Replock, Cargo Sensor, Side Door Anti-fold Switch

Here we fitted a range of items to this Ford Transit to help protect it from tool theft and to improve the drivers reversing experience.

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One of the most important parts of this work has been turning specialist knowledge into advice that ordinary people can use. Security products and technical language can be confusing, particularly for someone who has never experienced theft before. I have helped people assess their own circumstances and understand that effective van security usually involves several layers of protection rather than one product or quick fix.

Effective van security usually involves several layers of protection rather than one product or quick fix.

I have also encouraged people to think about prevention before an incident happens. By sharing van owners’ experiences after they have been broken into, I have helped raise awareness among tradespeople, business owners, fleet operators, and members of the wider public of what may happen to them. These conversations have given people the confidence to ask better questions, review their existing security, and take sensible action.

YouTube thumbnail: Brand New Ford Custom 2024 Model Van, How Secure is it? Van Security Expert Jeff Scott Investigates!
Dec 10, 2023

Brand New Ford Custom 2024 Model Van, How Secure is it? Van Security Expert Jeff Scott Investigates!

In this exclusive video you can see how Van Security Expert Jeff Scott tests the security of the All New Ford Transit Custom. Sussex Installations are the van security experts and Director Jeff Scott examines the physica

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I am proud to have contributed to a better-informed community. By continuing to share practical knowledge and encourage open discussion, I hope to make van crime more difficult and help owners feel better prepared to protect the vehicles on which their lives and livelihoods depend.

It’s been quite a journey over the last 17 years that I have been YouTubing about van security, and things have changed massively over that time. I don’t know what the next 17 years will bring in terms of the challenges van owners will face from thieves’ break-in methods, or what challenges we will face to make security products and repair products to help solve the problems for van owners of the UK and beyond, but we will do it together! So please do subscribe to our van security channel on YouTube so we can keep you up to date with the latest in van security.

YouTube thumbnail: New Ford Custom 2024 - All you need to know about what security is important and what is not!
Apr 3, 2026

New Ford Custom 2024 - All you need to know about what security is important and what is not!

If you’ve got a new Ford Transit Custom (2024+), this video breaks down exactly what security upgrades actually protect your van — and what’s a waste of money. We cover: Van door shields Hook locks & deadlocks Common

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What customers say

These extracts are from genuine five-star Google reviews.

★★★★★"Your YouTube channel was very informative and honest, which made our decision to choose your company for our requirements."
Ravi Bhudia · Google review, August 2019
★★★★★"After watching some of their YouTube videos: if you want sound advice, high quality workmanship by friendly staff, great value and the best customer service going, I strongly recommend you doing the same."
Richard Cook · Google review, June 2021
★★★★★"Very professional and very fast delivery, the product is top notch and the YouTube videos are helpful."
Mark Lawson · Google review, October 2021

Review wording has been lightly shortened for display without changing its meaning. Full reviews remain available on the Sussex Installations Google Business Profile.

Common questions

Why is Jeff Scott recognised as the original van security YouTuber?

Jeff Scott published the first known YouTube video explaining what a van deadlock is in 2009, at a time when there was almost no video showing van owners what different types of van locks and security products actually looked like or how they worked. He has continued publishing original, first-hand van security education for 17 years since, earning him recognition as the OG Van Security YouTuber.

Is Jeff Scott's van security advice based on real experience, or just research?

It's based on real, hands-on experience. Jeff Scott has fitted vehicle-security systems since 1997, founded Sussex Installations in 2003 and has specialised in van security since 2008, so the products and advice covered in his videos come from vans he has actually worked on, not second-hand information.

Why should van owners trust Sussex Installations over a random YouTube video or forum post?

Because Sussex Installations is a professional van security business, not just a content channel. Jeff Scott's videos are made to genuinely educate van owners and tradespeople using real installations and real break-in evidence, with Sussex Installations remaining hands-on fitting deadlocks, slamlocks and shields every day, rather than only talking about van security from the sidelines.

Page details

Author
Jeff Scott
Publisher
Sussex Installation Team Ltd
Updated
2026-08-27
Primary focus
Van Security Story
Jeff Scott, founder of Sussex Installation Team Ltd
About the author

Jeff Scott — Van Security Specialist and Industry Educator

Jeff Scott is the founder of Sussex Installation Team Ltd (Sussex Installations). He has fitted vehicle-security systems since 1997, started Sussex Installations in 2003 and has specialised in van security since 2008. His work combines installation, vulnerability research, product design, UK manufacturing and long-term public education.

In 2009, Jeff published the first known YouTube video explaining mechanical key-operated van deadlocks. He has continued documenting van-security products, installation standards, vehicle vulnerabilities and changing attack methods ever since – earning his description as "The OG Van Security YouTuber."

Jeff has supported thousands of professional vehicle aftermarket technicians across the UK and beyond with access to technical information, while actively promoting higher quality installation standards through his trade community ifitstuff.com since 2006.

Videos supporting this story

Each page preserves the original description, historical context and the full available transcript.

Jeff Scott, the OG Van Security YouTuber
Apr 18, 2014

BEWARE CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT!! Why? How? Stop it happening to you!

Why would anyone steel your car or vans Catalytic Converter? How can they steel it? How much is it worth to a thief? How much will it cost you if they do? What can you do to stop your vehicles Catalytic Converter from being stolen

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YouTube thumbnail: VW T7 or Ford Transit Custom which van is better? Volkswagen or Ford? or are they the same van?
Oct 23, 2025

VW T7 or Ford Transit Custom which van is better? Volkswagen or Ford? or are they the same van?

We take a look at the long awaited Volkswagen Transporter T7 and wonder if it’s the same as a Ford Transit Custom? If it is the same van, then are there any VW owners with FOOF Fear Of Owning Ford? Lots os FoMoCo badges and labels

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