Most of us know at least one victim of van tool theft, and sadly, with van break-ins and tool theft reaching epidemic proportions in the UK, such encounters are likely to rise.
Figures show UK van tool theft has sky-rocketed by almost two thirds in two years and over 30% in the past year. Such figures are staggering.
And so is the cost. Tool theft costs tradespeople a whopping £100m every year, and their losses extend far beyond the thousands of pounds in lost tools. Without their tools or transport, tradespeople can’t do their job, meaning they can’t earn money or pay their bills, devastating not just the livelihood of the victim but often that of their family too.
This is why it’s crucial you have the right protection in place.
“But I’ve got an alarm,” we hear you say. Great! But that’s not enough. An alarm doesn’t phase crooks. In what’s become known as a ‘peel and steal’ theft craze, these callous criminals will cut into the roof of your van, peel back the metal like a can of sardines, hop right in and help themselves.
Worried? Many of you will be.
Which is why we’re here with our seven top tips to help you protect your van, your tools, and your livelihood.
1. Stave them off with a Van Security Locks
Don’t settle for anything less than the best when it comes to van locks. Sure, yours might come with a standard lock, but a standard lock alone is exactly the kind of poor security crooks make a mockery of.
Deadlocks – If remembering to lock your doors is a complete doddle, deadlocks are ideal. These robust locks require you to double lock your van, bolting shut the doors without a spring mechanism, so thieves will have a tough time forcing it open.
Slamlocks – If you travel to and from your van often, slamlocks might be more practical. Slamlocks automatically lock your door whenever you shut it, requiring no key to lock. Of course, you’ll still need to keep the key with you!
Stoplocks – Stoplocks are budget-friendly and fit to both the sliding doors and rear doors of your van, securing it shut by linking the two sides together, which is tricky to prize apart, even with a pry bar.
2. Ward them Off with Obscured Windows
Windows provide a, well, “window,” into what’s stored into your van. They’re not hard to crack either. But there are ways to block the view and prevent crooks from breaking in through the windows.
Why not tint your windows? Tinted windows not only stop passersby from seeing in but also block UV-rays. Tint them professionally, or buy stick on tints.
Steel window grilles are also a cost-effective visual deterrent, and prevent thieves from accessing the window seal and cutting out the glass of your vehicle.
3. Out-Sneak them with a Van Security Alarm
Yes, we know. We said alarms aren’t enough, and they’re not, on their own. However, a van security alarm is still essential to any strong anti-tool-theft security setup.
The OBD Connector Carlock – Technophiles will probably enjoy this one, as it involves the use of an app. But tech-savvy or not, it’s worth getting up to speed with this alarm for the security it offers. The CarLock plugs into your onboard diagnostics below your steering wheel, and reports back to you in real-time through your phone, alerting you of any unusual behaviour, including suspicious sounds or movements.
The GSM Silent Alarm – If you can’t stop them, catch them red-handed! GSM Alarms are installed discreetly in your van. If there’s any unusual activity, instead of sounding the alarm at your vehicle, it will alert you directly via text or phone call. Some even allow you to listen in after answering.
4. Kit out your Van with a Cam!
Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. These cameras film the road while driving and some even record 24/7. Your best bet is to record both inside and outside of your van. Not only can dash cams provide valuable accident footage as proof for insurance purposes, they can also record damages, theft, or prying movement in or around your vehicle.
5. Secure your Tools in a Van Vault
We hear you; Trundling back and forth with the tools from your van every night can be a pain in the backside. While we’d highly recommend removing your most valuable tools, if you want to leave the rest securely in your van, a Van Vault is ideal.
Near impossible to break into, heavy-duty Van Vaults are manufactured from durable, thick steel, and some are even fire resistant. Available in various sizes, they can even be used with convenient slide out storage drawers known as ‘Stackers’.
6. Make Your Mark on Your Tools
While this trusty tactic might not stop thieves, it does raise your chance of recovering lost items.
There are various methods for permanently marking your tools, from etching to painting them bright colours, and even ultra-violent pens, which are only visible under certain light.
7. Pay Attention to your Insurance Terms
Whether you purchase or lease your van it’s vital you closely inspect your insurance details. Make sure you know exactly what’s covered, all conditions, and watch out for any covert policy wording too. For example, some insurers exclude cover for tools left overnight in an unattended van.
Also check whether Tools Insurance forms part of your policy and if it doesn’t, consider adding it in as it could help cover the cost of replacing any stolen tools.
The bottom line is don’t get complacent. Tool theft is the dreaded scourge of tradespeople, and sadly it’s rising, but by actioning the security tips above, you can significantly reduce your chances of falling victim.
