Any security tips?

[Max Middleton]

Hi chaps.

I am a tradesman with a byjingo van. Got up this morning and its been turned over. Smashed the drivers quarter light window and pushed the central locking button.

I had no idea this was even possible. I assumed that once i had dead locked (pressed the lock button twice) the van was actually dead locked without the key.

I have dropped the van off at a local auto electricians and they are installing me an alarm now.

What security do you guys use? Any Berlingo owners tricks you can share that will maybe make my van abit safer? Do you guys disconnect your central locking button?

Any help is much appreciated.

[philip]

I don't have any ideas for security but maybe be an idea to let Citroen UK know what happened, whats the point of deadlocks if it can still be opened with the central locking button.

[Gadgetman]

I believe the button is supposed to be a security system; so that you can quickly lock the doors if threatening figures (HA, girl scouts carrying cookie boxes... ) approaches the car.

I'd suggest relocating it to a non-obvious but still easy to reach location.

[mikep1973]

I believe the button is supposed to be a security system; so that you can quickly lock the doors if threatening figures approach.

Yes. It is. It would be a bit of a waste of time if it were otherwise seeing as you'd have to un-deadlock the doors to get out of it..


Sent from cold, windy place.

[mikep1973]

I don't have any ideas for security but maybe be an idea to let Citroen UK know what happened, whats the point of deadlocks if it can still be opened with the central locking button?

The button is inside the car. You have to be inside the car to press it. What is the point of deadlocking yourself inside the car?

The button is not for deadlocking. It's to lock the doors quickly if you feel you are in danger from , say , a carjacker or other noxious character.

[Opensauce]

If you press button & just leave it permanently with red light on the doors lock automatically a few seconds after you drive off. This is handy for security if you are in traffic to stop anybody opening door so I leave mine like that all the time. You can still let yourself out just by opening any door from inside with handle but when you stop to pick up a passenger you have to press button to allow them to open door from outside. According to manual if you have an accident with heavy impact then doors are unlocked automatically to allow rescuers to get you out.

[mikep1973]

I'd say this should be reported to Citroen by the OP for their comments. As said earlier, what's the point of deadlocking if you can lean in and press a button to open it? It sounds like this must have become a known technique for Berlingos, and perhaps they're being targeted as a result.

I can't see why this button should unlock the doors if the ignition is off - I'd be fairly sure that it gets disabled when the key is out on most cars and vans. Perhaps a recall or even a software update could correct this?

It might be worth the OP involving their insurers, to see what they think about this behaviour. I'm sure this can't be right.

It's not a deadlocking button.

It's not meant to deadlock the doors.

It's not designed to deadlock the doors.



Sent from cold, windy place.

[mikep1973]

If you press button & just leave it permanently with red light on the doors lock automatically a few seconds after you drive off. This is handy for security if you are in traffic to stop anybody opening door so I leave mine like that all the time. You can still let yourself out just by opening any door from inside with handle but when you stop to pick up a passenger you have to press button to allow them to open door from outside. According to manual if you have an accident with heavy impact then doors are unlocked automatically to allow rescuers to get you out.

Yes. Exactly the button is nothing to do with deadlocks.

Pray tell, how do those who think it is, plan to press it to deadlock the doors once they are outside the car?....


Sent from cold, windy place.

[Opensauce]

2 key presses & 2 clicks required to deadlock, first click locks but does not deadlock. second click deadlocks, doors cannot be opened from inside. I've just tried mine with window open, 2 clicks to deadlock & pressing central button affects nothing. It is still deadlocked. If this is not like this on op's van then I would suggest there is fault.

[Max Middleton]

Its a daft button. As mentioned the car locks automatically as soon as you set off. A friend has a 63 plate berlingo and the button works differently. Apparently up to 09 the vehicle didn't utilise a canbus system like it does now. Which is why there is no 'logic' behind the buttons function.

I have had an alarm fitted but need to get some additional form of locks for the side and back doors. Apparently citroen also don't allow glass fitters to stock quarter light panels. So i can't get the glass replaced until Tuesday night, which is even more annoying.

I have made 2 x 18mm ply wood panels and coach bolted them anyway so the vans more secure than it was with bloody glass in it. Not impressed though, seems like such a major over sight on citroens side.

Thanks for the replies chaps.