A DEDICATED commercial van centre in Preston has teamed up with a Bolton-based van security firm to provide protection for its vehicles.

Perrys Motor Village, Preston, has linked up with Armaplate UK Ltd, Horwich, to protect its new and used Vauxhall commercial vans and non-franchised vehicles.

The collaboration is in response to a spike in van thefts across the UK.

What Car? magazine found that over 30 vans are stolen across the UK each day and that businesses have lost more than £61.9 million in lost tools and equipment since 2016.

This amounts to more than 43,000 vans being stolen with a further 117,000 vehicles being broken into.

Research from What Car? also highlighted that just 58% of van models come with a fitted alarm as standard.

Peter Ogden, dealer principal at Perrys, said: “Over four million drivers in the UK rely on their vehicle to make a living.

“This is why we’re working with another local company to protect tradesmen and drivers throughout the region to safeguard their livelihoods.”

The Horwich based company, Armaplate UK Ltd, was established in 1996 by two former fleet managers who dealt first-hand with the effects of theft attacks on their vans.

Armaplate products, which include state-of-the-art lock and handle security, and catalytic converter anti-theft devices, are used by many companies, such as Tesco, DHL, and United Utilities.

Tom McQuiggan, Armaplate’s Operations Director, said: “Our products are trusted nationwide, so it’s great to be able to work with Perrys to provide extra security on their vans.

“The lifetime guarantee on some of our products is a big selling point and it’s a pleasure to join forces with another Lancashire firm.”

Perrys opened in January 2019 ­— with its Commercial Centre located at junction 31A on the M6.

For further information, visit perrys.co.uk, or call the company on 01772 950695.