Tips to Keep your Tools Safe

Other security measures LeaseVan.co.uk have suggested

1. Intruder alarms– Install a separate intruder alarm to discourage possible thieves. Guard valuable good by fitting a coded device that will trigger when your van is accessed by someone who doesn’t have permission. Some alarms available online can be controlled remotely, synced with your mobile phone and even include a tracker.
2. Tool vault boxes– Purchase a van vault box or safe to store them in. Requiring a key or combination to open, the range of high security options work in a similar way to a personal home safe, but often with tailored compartments for specific tools too.
3. Deadlocks– Deadlocks can give vans enhanced defences against thieves by adding an extra and usually stronger locking point to cab and rear doors. They are operated independently to a vehicle’s standard, factory fitted locks, which allows the driver to control when each door is unlocked individually.
4. CCTV– CCTV cameras that can help both deter and capture potential criminals, so why not their commercial vehicles too? Small, high quality devices can now be brought relatively cheaply online. One should be installed on both the inside and outside of vans, either permanently or temporarily while parked. Remember to display a clear warning sign too – this could make a thief turn away before the cameras are even called in to action.
5. Permanent tool marking– Use clear and obvious tool markings on your tools, such as carving or laser-burning a name or logo into handles, to put off thieves before items are taken.
6. Dyes– Dye tags like those used in clothing retail are the best way to catch thieves literally red handed, as a burst of ink triggered by opening or moving a tool box without permission leaves little doubt who the criminal is, which could deter them from trying to make off with your goods. Concealed packs of dye – often used by banks within stacks of notes – could also be hidden within expensive equipment. Kept closed by magnets, the dye packs are triggered by radio waves on a timer.
7. Inaccessible parking– Reverse you van into a parking space where the rear doors are practically touching a wall or other obstacle. If a potential thief can’t easily access your van and its content, they’re more likely to be discouraged and move along.
8. Simple dissuasion– A basic sticker on the outside of a van declaring that no tools are stored in the vehicle may be enough to convince a criminal to try elsewhere. Even if it’s not true, it’s cheap, quick and worth a go. Keeping the outside of your commercial vehicle in an unusually dirty condition when equipment must be stored inside could also put off thieves, by making the van seem to the outside world like it’s less valuable and unlikely to contain important items.

Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk said: “Wherever possible, it’s advisable to move expensive tools and equipment indoors for secure storage. But sometimes location and circumstances mean tradespeople have no other option than to leave items in their vans while they’re parked up on a job or overnight.

“While of course thieves remain responsible when items are stolen, wise tradesmen and women should do whatever they can to avoid becoming a target or victim of crime.

“To help deter criminals and make a theft less likely to occur or be successful, we’ve identified some precautionary steps van owners could take.”