Tradespeople are being warned to take extra security measures over winter to protect the tools they store in their van.
Motoring experts at Lease VanΒ have warned vehicle owners that January is a prime time for criminals to strike and have offered advice on how to protect their equipment.
A Freedom of Information request found that 35,098 tool thefts were reported to the police in 2022 β equal to one every 15 minutes.
An eye-watering Β£66m worth of tools was stolen from tradespeopleβs vehicles, which are frequently targeted by thieves.Β Tool theft is likely to increase in January as opportunistic thieves look to make some extra cash after Christmas.
Steps tradespeople should take to protect their tools from thieves include parking in well-lit areas and marking equipment.
Tim Alcock from Lease VanΒ said: βThieves and burglars see January as the perfect time to take expensive equipment from tradespeople.
βBurglars are more likely to steal tools over the New Year because they know many are celebrating and therefore less vigilant, so see it as the perfect time to strike.Β Last year Β£66 million worth of tools were stolen from trade vehicles, and we expect that figure to be just as high this year with the cost-of-living crisis fuelling crime.
βCriminals are well aware that tools and equipment are expensive, so it is important to take extra security measures like storing equipment in an indoor secure location and using warning signs to protect yourself.β
These are Lease Vanβs seven tips to protect tools:
Park carefully
Avoid parking in isolated and quiet areas as this will appeal to thieves, and stick to where there is CCTV in operation. At home, park with the back door against a wall, in sight of a window or a well-lit area to deter thieves.
Additional securityΒ
Consider investing in extra security like deadbolts, alarms and slamlocks which will make it harder for thieves to break in and act as a deterrent.
Warning signsΒ
It may seem simple, but making it known that there is CCTV or that tools are not kept in the van or a work site, can deter thieves. Thieves like easy targets and the extra risk of being caught will put them off.
Store indoors
When finished work, take tools out of the van and leave them somewhere more secure, like inside your home or a storage facility.
Mark tools
An effective way to deter theft is to mark tools and equipment with the name of your business as it can aid their recovery if they are ever sold on and will be easily identifiable to the police.
Tech preventions
For tech-savvy tradies, there are several ways to protect tools including motion-sensing cameras, GPS tracking devices and smart padlocks.
Insurance
Some providers will cover the cost of replacing tools if theyβre lost or damaged so the business can keep running if the worst should happen.
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