How to Rob Security Vans in GTA 5: A Comprehensive Guide
Robbing security vans in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) can be a thrilling and lucrative way to earn some extra cash, both in Story Mode and GTA Online. While not as grand as a bank heist, these heists are accessible and offer a decent payout. The key to a successful robbery lies in planning, quick execution, and a solid escape strategy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to rob security vans effectively in GTA 5:
Identifying and Approaching a Security Van
Locating Security Vans
Security vans, also known as armored trucks, spawn at various locations across Los Santos and Blaine County. Here are some common spots:
- Cascabel Avenue, Paleto Bay
- Grapeseed Main Street, Grapeseed
- Smoke Tree Road, Near Sandy Shores Airfield, Grand Senora Desert
- Great Ocean Highway, Chumash
- North Rockford Drive, Morningwood
- Hawick Avenue, Vinewood
- Globe Oil Gas Station, Cypress Flats (north of Ammu-nation)
- Little Seoul (near the Asian strip mall)
- Little Seoul (outside the Lucky Plucker)
- Paleto Bay Market
- San Andreas Ave
- The man-made canals in the center of Los Santos
- El Rancho Blvd.
- The Del Perro ramp
Note that these spawns may not be consistent and seem to operate on an in-game timer, possibly spawning weekly. Once a van spawns at one location, another won’t appear until the timer resets, potentially making specific locations more reliable once one appears.
Approaching the Van
When approaching a security van, it’s crucial to do so cautiously. Avoid making a frontal assault as the guards inside the van will be alerted to your presence. Instead, use the environment to your advantage and approach from the side or rear. A good strategy is to use a vehicle to block off the van in order to limit the potential escape options of the van.
Executing the Robbery
The Initial Assault
The most common method to open the back of an armored truck is by using explosives. Sticky bombs or grenades work well. Here’s the order of attack:
- Shoot the van to make it stop.
- Plant a sticky bomb on the back doors.
- Move to a safe distance and detonate the bomb.
Dealing With Security Guards
Upon detonation of the explosive device on the van, the doors will open, and two security guards will emerge and start shooting at you. It is paramount that you are able to dispatch of them quickly and efficiently. Use cover effectively and utilize your weapons of choice to take down both guards as quickly as possible.
Securing the Loot
Once the guards are neutralized, you can grab the security case, which typically contains around $4000. The exact amount can vary slightly, but it will always be a worthwhile score for the effort.
Escape and Evading the Police
Escape Strategy
After acquiring the money, your main objective becomes escaping the area and evading the police. The amount of police you may encounter could vary depending on location, time of day, etc.
- Have a getaway vehicle prepared prior to robbing the van.
- Make use of alleys and back streets to avoid main roads where law enforcement will most likely look for you.
- Consider using the Los Santos Customs to respray your vehicle, which can be helpful in evading the police.
Dealing with the Wanted Level
Robbing an armored truck in GTA Online will immediately give you a two-star wanted level. The police will pursue you aggressively, and using a helicopter or fast vehicle can help you get away. Be prepared to utilize your driving skills and any weapons needed to lose the police in order to keep your hard-earned loot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you rob banks outside of missions in GTA 5?
No, you cannot rob banks freely in GTA 5. Bank robberies are exclusively part of story missions and online heists.
2. What are the locations of the most reliable security van spawns?
While spawn locations can vary, Cascabel Avenue in Paleto Bay, Grapeseed Main Street, and the area near Sandy Shores Airfield are usually reliable. It is advisable to check all of the listed locations to find a van quickly.
3. What weapons are most effective for robbing security vans?
Sticky bombs or grenades are great for breaching the van doors, while a powerful rifle or shotgun is effective for taking down the guards quickly and efficiently.
4. How much money can you get from robbing a security van?
You can usually get around $4,000 from a successful armored truck robbery.
5. What happens if the security van explodes?
If you use explosives carelessly, the van can explode along with the security case inside it which will mean that you will lose the money along with destroying the potential loot inside. Always use a safe distance when detonating an explosive.
6. Are there any armored vehicles I can use for these robberies?
Yes, the Armored Kuruma, Duke O’ Death, and Nightshark are excellent choices for a bulletproof vehicles when committing these crimes. In particular, The Nightshark can withstand several missiles before being destroyed.
7. Is it harder to rob a security van in GTA Online than in story mode?
In GTA Online, you will immediately get a two-star wanted level, making it slightly more challenging to escape and evading the police.
8. Can you rob 24/7 stores repeatedly?
Yes, you can rob 24/7 and liquor stores repeatedly, exiting the store and running a few car lengths away, before re-entering the store to rob it again.
9. What is the most armored vehicle in GTA 5?
The Hauler Custom is considered one of the most armored vehicles in GTA 5, but the Nightshark is another great option as it is bulletproof and can withstand several missile hits.
10. Can you rob a gun store in GTA V?
Yes, you can rob a gun store in GTA 5 and take the cash from both registers.
11. Do the security vans have a specific timer for spawning?
Yes, it appears the security vans spawn on a one-week in-game timer. This means that after a van spawns, you will not see another van spawn until the timer resets.
12. Are armored truck robberies easy to execute in real life?
No, armored trucks are highly secure and difficult to breach. Real-life robberies are far more dangerous than portrayed in the game.
13. What is the best way to make money in GTA 5 offline?
The best ways to make money in GTA 5 story mode include robbing armored trucks, completing bail bond bounties, finishing random encounters, and carrying out story mode heists.
14. What are the best vehicles to use for an escape after robbing an armored truck?
Any fast car or motorcycle will help you get away from the police. It is advisable to select one with good handling capabilities.
15. Is there a method to find the Gun Van easily?
The gun van will not appear on your map until you are close to it. You will have to actively move around the map to find it.