How Van Guard delivers for LDS Van Security Locks week after week
Van crime shows no sign of slowing down, and for locksmiths working at the sharp end of vehicle security, that reality shapes every decision they make, from the services they offer to the suppliers they rely on. For Allan Stephenson at LDS Van Security Locks, those decisions are driven by experience on the road, not brochures or brand promises.
LDS Van Security Locks has been serving customers across the UK for over ten years. Originally founded by two locksmiths carrying out domestic and commercial work, the business began to change direction as demand for van security solutions grew.
“Around five years ago, we just kept getting calls about van locks,” Allan explains.
“There were more attacks on vans, more break-ins, and it was becoming obvious there was a real problem.”
Recognising the shift, Allan’s business partner, Lee, undertook specialist training in van security. What started as an addition to their existing services quickly became the core of the business.
“We’ve never looked back,” Allan says. “Van break-ins seem to increase year on year, and there was a clear gap in the market.”
Today, LDS Van Security Locks focuses exclusively on securing commercial vehicles. The company operates nationwide, covering everywhere from Aberdeen to Exeter, with a high concentration of work around London, the M25, Brighton and Bournemouth.
“There are simply more vans in those areas,” Allan notes. “And where there are more vans, there’s more van crime. That’s where we’re spending most of our time — helping to stop it.”
A Business Built Around Mobility
Unlike workshop-based operations, LDS Van Security Locks runs almost entirely as a mobile service. The team regularly fits locks at customers’ homes or places of work, minimising downtime for tradespeople and fleet operators.
“We come to the customer so we’re not disrupting their trading,” Allan explains. “That’s a big part of what we do.”
But that convenience brings its own pressures. The LDS team often sets off on a Monday morning to cover jobs for the week and may not return to headquarters until the work is complete.
“That means we need the full kit with us when we leave,” Allan says. “We can’t afford to be missing parts or waiting on deliveries halfway through the week.”
As a result, supplier reliability isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s fundamental to how the business operates.
“We pride ourselves on going above and beyond for our customers,” Allan adds.
“Whatever someone needs, and wherever we are, we’ll make it happen. But to do that, we need the same level of commitment from our suppliers and partners.”
Why LDS Switched to Van Guard
LDS Van Security Locks has been a Van Guard customer for around three to four years. The initial decision to change supplier was driven by product innovation rather than brand loyalty.
“One of the main reasons we switched was that Van Guard were the first to offer a Gold Sold Secure van lock,” Allan explains. “They’d added plates to the lock case to make it more secure, and it came with certification.”
That certification quickly proved valuable in conversations with customers.
“It meant our customers could provide proper documentation to their insurance companies,” Allan says. “That’s a big deal for tradespeople.”
At the time, the move was straightforward.
“It started as a product-led decision,” Allan admits. “We thought we’d give them a try.”
What followed, however, went beyond the lock itself.
More Than Just the Product
As LDS continued working with Van Guard, the service and support behind the products became just as important as their design.
“Van Guard make sure our orders are ready each week so we can set off on the road,” Allan explains. “And if for any reason that’s not possible, they make it happen.”
That flexibility can take different forms. On occasions where plans change or time is tight, Van Guard has arranged alternative solutions, including delivering products directly to the customer LDS is travelling to.
“They go out of their way to make sure everything’s right,” Allan says.
And when issues arise — as they inevitably do in any supply chain — Allan says the response matters.
“If there’s a problem with a product, which is rare, they sort it out quickly and without fuss.”
That approach mirrors the way LDS runs its own operation.
“We work hard to maintain our reputation by being honest, reliable and professional,” Allan explains. “Van Guard do the same, and that’s why it works.”
A Supplier That Feels Like Part of the Business
For a specialist locksmith business operating nationwide, consistency is critical. LDS installs a wide range of van security solutions — from deadlocks and hook locks to slam locks, protect plates and loom guards — and Allan says having confidence in the products and the people behind them makes day-to-day operations far smoother.
“It’s like Van Guard is an extension of our own business,” Allan says. “Not a separate company.”
That sense of alignment is something Allan values highly.
“Our values match. They care about getting things right, just like we do.”
As LDS Van Security Locks continues to focus solely on van security, those partnerships become even more important. Locksmiths specialising in this area need suppliers who understand the realities of mobile working, customer expectations and the importance of doing things properly.
For Allan, the lesson is simple: choosing a supplier isn’t just about the product on the shelf.
www.van-guard.co.uk
www.van-deadlock.co.uk
Choosing a Van Security Supplier – A Practical Checklist
Based on real-world experience, Allan highlights the factors locksmiths should consider when choosing a van security supplier:
- Proven security standards Products that are independently tested and certified
- Design that addresses real attacks Locks built to counter current methods of entry
- Reliable availability Orders ready when you need to be on the road
- Flexible delivery The ability to adapt when schedules change
- Straightforward problem-solving Issues resolved quickly and without hassle
- Shared values A supplier who understands that your reputation is on the line