Beware thieves: Keeping your tools safe

Van thefts are on the rise. According to WhatCar? Every day 80 vans are broken into and 30 are stolen in the UK, and for many electricians and tradesmen, that van can contain their entire business.

Although most professionals will have insurance to cover thefts, any break in will still have an impact on business with downtime and loss of earnings, delaying projects and creating a time-consuming diversion.

Often police are unable to recover stolen tools, so keeping your van secure comes down to you. If you’re worried about van security – particularly if thieves have been known to operate in your area – there are practical measures you can take to keep your tools safe.

Think about parking
This can sometimes mean weighing up convenience against security, but it’s often worth the compromise. Parking in a brightly lit, busy area that’s covered by CCTV is a big deterrent to thieves, even if it means a slightly longer walk.

Get into the habit and keep it locked
It might sound obvious, but how many times have you left the van ‘just for a minute’ while you carry gear to site, or even pay for fuel? Thieves are opportunistic, it can take less than 10 seconds to break in and are known to keep a look out at construction sites and supermarket car parks.

If you’ve got more than one of you working at your firm, then make sure everyone knows the importance of van security. It’s particularly important to drill young apprentices on the significance of this.

Many newer vans have alarms installed as standard, but older vans do not so check to see if yours has the capability to have one fitted.

Keep an inventory
Prepare for the worst and keep an inventory of everything in your van in case you need to make an insurance claim for stolen tools. Even better, keep the receipts for your tools in a folder at your office, or at home (not in the glove compartment) for a clear record of the tools’ value.

Additional security
If you’re still concerned, there are products available that can keep your equipment safer when it’s left in the van. Here are just a few that BEW branches are happy to stock, just speak to your local branch to find out more.

CK Tools Kasp van lock & hasp

This locks’ chrome plated hardened steel padlock gives maximum protection against hacksaw and cropping attacks, while a 6 pin cylinder protects against lock-picking. The hasp itself is zinc plated, to strengthen and give protection against corrosion even in harsh environments. It’s also got a handy bracket to store the padlock when the van doors are open.

Armorgard Tuffbank TB1 Van Box

This heavy duty box boasts a drill resistant lock to protect tools and equipment on the move and can be bolted to the floor of the van with the supplied mounting kit. Has 5 Lever deadlock supplied with two keys and anti-drill plates around the locks and anti-cut deadbolts. It measures 460(H) x 950(W) x 505(D)mm, the 3mm steel lid has a continuous fully welded hinge and two hydraulic gas struts assist lid opening/closing and the unique SlamStop lid stay, stops the lid closing unexpectedly. The Tuffbank is accredited by the Police approved standards, Sold Secure and Secured by Design.

Van Vault Slider Secure Drawer

A high security storage drawer constructed to take the weight of other equipment being stacked on top, so no valuable van space is wasted. The Slider can be fitted to the rear or side of the van and robust security features such as the 70mm Anti-pick, anti-drill and anti-rust stainless steel disc padlock means thieves leave empty-handed. The Slider is certified by Sold Secure and Secured by Design, the UK’s Police approved standard. External Dimensions are: 310(H) x 500(W) x 1200(D) and weighs 52.5kg with a load capacity of 300kg. There are four reinforced fitting points in the base and is supplied with M10 bolts and shear nuts.

ESP VanCam 1080p

Part of ESP’s essentials range, the VanCam HD detects movement with a PIR to automatically record high quality footage with a time and date stamp, day or night. It’s a brilliant deterrent and provides valuable evidence to police if a break in does occur. Easy to install, and with an IP55 weatherproof rating, it’s a great addition to any van that carries expensive stock – particularly if tools are left in it overnight (which we don’t recommend).

Ask your local BEW branch for further details.