Protect yourself from tool theft

Tool theft is never far from the headlines. Registered Gas Engineer looks at the scale of the problem and some of the initiatives trying to fight back and protect your possessions.

Many of you will have had to deal with tool theft during your professional career – or you’ll know someone who has had to. On average, tradespeople are likely to have their tools stolen at least once1, according to a Tradespeople Against Tool Theft white paper by On The Tools, in partnership with Simply Business. But some of you say you’ve had your tools stolen many times over the years.

The Metropolitan Police recorded 21,630 tool theft offences and 6,839 van theft offences in the UK between 2020 and 2021 but the true figure is likely to be much higher.

Victims are often unable to work until their tools can be replaced, and the white paper found that 23 per cent don’t report the theft to the police. This is hardly surprising, when the same white paper also found that less than 1 per cent of tools stolen are ever returned to their owners.

Instead, nearly four in 10 people turn to social media, according to research from Direct Line for Business2, sharing warnings to others in their area, asking people to keep an eye out for potentially stolen tools being sold on, and keeping abreast of tool theft incidents nearby.

How to protect yourself

Direct Line’s research showed that few people take additional steps to protect themselves from the effects of tool theft.

The same applies to securing vans, with only 27 per cent protecting vehicles with steering locks or installing a CCTV or alarm system (24 per cent).

More than one-quarter (27 per cent) always or frequently leave tools in vehicles, and 38 per cent of those who do say they do not have insurance to cover them from overnight tool theft.

It’s important to make sure that your tools are insured in case the worst does happen.

The right insurance will cover the cost of replacing them – but always read the small print before you buy the policy as many insurers won’t cover tools if they’re left in a van overnight, unless the policy specifically includes overnight cover.

Secure your van

With 28 per cent of all tools stolen from vehicles, adding extra security is a great place to start. Especially when you consider that vehicles themselves are often damaged when they’re broken into.

So how are most tools stolen and what can you do to prevent it? Direct Line for Business has

Don’t pay twice

21,630

tool thefts recorded by the Metropolitan Police between 2020 and 2021

various suggestions as well as modifications that you can make to your vehicle to make it harder to break into (see right).

Empty your van

Many thieves are opportunists who will smash a window when they see tools or valuable goods inside and grab what they can. Fitting a vehicle alarm can help, as can emptying your van of anything valuable at night, or at least making sure it’s hidden from view.

Door peeling

In many vans, anti-theft sensors will monitor the front because it’s the easiest point of entry. But what about the roof, sides or back door? Doors can be peeled back or cut through without breaking any locks or setting off alarms. One defence is to park your van in a locked garage or in a well-lit area where thieves are more likely to be seen.

Key-fob hacking

If your vehicle operates with a wireless key fob, it could be more vulnerable to theft. Hackers can scan for the key’s wireless signal then replicate it to fool the van into opening the doors. Scanners have a limited range so keep your keys well away from the vehicle. You could also store your keys inside a small ‘Faraday box’, which blocks the wireless signal.

Add security

Always make sure that you check with your insurer to make sure any changes you make to your vehicle won’t invalidate your policy. ■

Protection measures

Lockable toolbox

Around £230 (Van Vault 2)

Alarm system with immobiliser Around £400

Catalytic converter lock Around £200

GPS tracking

Wheel lock

Typically around £250 plus an annual subscription

Around £100

Separating the cab from the back with a physical barrier to reduce the number of points of entry £90-£300

Slam lock that only you have the key for £70 plus installation

CCTV/alarm stickers £5

Source: Direct Line for Business

1 https://www.onthetools.tv/home/tradespeople-against-tool-theft-whitepaper/

2 https://www.directlinegroup.co.uk/en/news/brand-news/2022/050420220.html

Many trade insurance policies overlap, so make sure you’re not paying twice for the same type of cover. Your public liability insurance could include tools cover, for example, or you might find you have legal cover on more than one policy. Try not to over or under-insure yourself.

Fighting back

Companies have been offering their own support to tradespeople who have suffered from tool theft to help them get back to work faster.

Merchant Williams & Co’s Tool Angel initiative lends victims a tool kit worth £2,300+, for three weeks, so that you can continue to work while replacing your lost equipment. As long as you have a crime number and are within the merchant’s delivery area, you can request a kit and you don’t have to be a previous customer.

The kit is delivered in an armoured secure toolbox, and includes products from Armorgard, Makita and Kane. After three weeks the kit is collected free of charge and you can also get a 15 per cent discount to buy a new kit of your own. More details at: www.tradeonlyplumbing. co.uk/tool-angel

If you have ARMD insurance, you make a claim for stolen tools via the app for any tool that has been registered in the ARMD inventory. When you’re registered with ARMD, you receive a van sticker and, if you share a picture of your displayed sticker on social media, tagging two friends and including certain hashtags, you will also receive £20 of store credit. More information at: www.armd.uk/sticker