Your Tools are Your Trade

There are gangs that specifically focus on the theft of valuable tools, for a number of reasons: they are relatively easy to sell on and, due to the carelessness of many traders, they can be easy to steal. Once sold on for a fraction of their value, the thief simply moves to the next easy target and the cycle continues. We have spoken to traders who have had their tools stolen several times in a year — and it is amazing how many are still not doing all they can to prevent it.

The impact is massive. Without the tools to carry out a job, the result is lost work, higher insurance costs and disappointed clients. None of these do any favours for the UK's hard-working traders, so here is what every trader should be doing.

Storage

A huge number of tool thefts occur when tools are left in a work vehicle overnight. It can feel laborious after a long day to unload them and bring them in, but think of the consequences of not doing so — especially if your vehicle's livery advertises what you do. Thieves capitalise on a moment of weakness, so the general rule of thumb is never to leave your tools outside overnight.

If you store tools in an outbuilding or garage, they may still be at risk. Padlocks can be snapped easily and quietly with bolt cutters, so make the security on these structures as robust as possible. Fit an alarm, make sure any CCTV covers them, and keep the tools in a secure, lockable container — secured to the floor if possible.

On the Job

While you're working away from home, your tools will of course be in your vehicle — and your activities may well have caught the attention of thieves, so be vigilant. It is easy to forget to lock your van when going to and fro, but it only takes the time to walk in and out of a property for a thief to strike. Every time you leave your van unattended, even for seconds, ensure it is fully locked. It is your first line of defence, and it won't cost you a penny.

Additional security can be provided by fitting a strong van box, secured to the interior of the vehicle. Choose one with anti-jemmy design, reinforcements, deadlocks and thick steel — and avoid boxes secured with a padlock, as most padlocks can be twisted open with a jemmy very quickly. Slamlocks are also a great idea and relatively inexpensive given the value they protect: they lock the vehicle door securely every time it is closed, and most vans can be fitted with them — they're a favourite of couriers for good reason.

ID Your Equipment

Despite your best efforts, nothing can guarantee the safety of your tools — sometimes the most tenacious thieves get through. What you can do is increase the chance of retrieving them. Don't assume stolen tools are gone for good: the police recover thousands of stolen goods every year. Make sure you can positively ID your equipment as yours — a UV pen or SmartWater is the most reliable and simplest way, leaving an invisible mark that can only be detected under UV light. Appropriate signage on your vehicle can also act as a deterrent.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

There is a good chance you could spot your tools yourself. Look in local second-hand shops, Cash Converters and car boot sales, and keep an eye online — Gumtree, Facebook, eBay and the like are often used by criminals to offload stolen goods, and many traders personalise their equipment to make it recognisable. If you think you've spotted your equipment online, raise a query with the site. If you've identified it in a shop or at a car boot sale, notify the police — don't take the law into your own hands.