Figures reveal shocking rise in vehicle thefts: How you can protect your van and tools
Posted by: electime 7th September 2021
Any tradesperson knows that having a van in full working order is vital for their livelihood. The bad news is that vehicle thefts are on the rise, with a staggering 56% increase in thefts between 2015 and 2020 (RAC).
On top of this, recent research has found that more than a third of businesses have been hit by van theft (CommercialFleet). Tool theft is also on the rise, which is bad news for builders, 51% of whom have already been victims of the crime (Which?).
Catalytic converter theft has been particularly high in recent years, with a rise of over 100% between 2019 and 2020 (Which?). With the recent influx of threats to security, it’s become more important than ever for people to put effort into protecting their vehicles.
What tradespeople can do to prevent van and tool theft
To help tradespeople keep their vans and tools in top condition and free from damage, the industrial tool supplier Zoro have put together this visual aid to provide them top tips on securing their vehicle and preventing tool theft.
There are a number of products that can be used to make a van more secure, such as wheel clamps, dashcams on the front and back of the vehicle, and silent and siren alarms. There is also a range of locks to choose from, including deadlocks (an extremely secure bolt lock that’s only unlocked with a key), slamlocks (these lock the van door automatically after closing), and stoplocks (used to lock the steering wheel) .
As well as investing in these safety products, tradespeople can also consider other ways to protect their vehicle. For example, the vans parking spot can have a huge impact on whether it is stolen or damaged. Parking a van in front of CCTV will deter thieves, and parking it up against a wall will make it difficult to break into.
“Whether you’re a plumber, a builder, or an electrician, a van is one of the most important resources for any tradesperson. Not only is it a place to store your essential tools, but it’s a way to get from job to job. That’s why protecting it from damage and theft is such a priority, especially in the past couple of years as vehicle thefts have soared.
“The good news is that there are a number of ways to prevent the risk of theft, so that you can keep both your van and your tools in top condition. In our visual aid, you’ll see that there are a number of products that you can buy to protect your vehicle.
“Silent alarms that alert your phone are a particularly good investment, as the thieves won’t realise that you’re aware of the situation. A steering wheel lock is another great buy that will prevent thieves from getting anywhere in a hurry.
“While these tips should keep your vehicle as secure as possible, it’s also a good idea to prepare for the worst. Install a GPS tracker so you know where your stolen vehicle is, and remove your tools from the van at night to keep them safe and secure.”
- Kelly Friel, Digital Product Manager at Zoro
