How to protect your van against tool theft at night, according to motoring experts
Posted by: electime 12th October 2023
12,361 cases of tool theft were reported in 2021-2022 in London alone - Van experts share five ways to keep your van safe at night and deter potential thieves
Whether you run your own business or need to keep up with the jobs of a wider contractor company, your van and your tools are your livelihood.
However, the Metropolitan Police reported that there were over 12,000 cases of tool theft from vehicles in London alone last year – which equates to around 30 cases of tool theft per day.
Even when covered by insurance, losing your tools or your van can cause massive disruption to your business and means of making money. That’s why Vansdirect has shared five easy tips to safeguard your van at night, helping to protect your livelihood.
- Invest in a steering wheel lock
One of the best ways to deter thieves is to make your van look more visibly secure. You want the thieves to think twice before attempting a break-in.
Steering wheel locks are a great visual deterrent (and an effective physical one, too) that show you’ve taken extra security measures. These can vary in price, from around £50 to around £150, so make sure you find a lock that’s suitable for your van.
- Remove tools from your van overnight
It might seem obvious, but one of the best ways to avoid tool theft is to never keep any tools in your van overnight.
So, remove your toolbox or materials every night, and find a secure storage solution inside your home. This way, even if thieves do manage to gain access to your van, your tools will be safe and secure inside your home.
We’d also recommend investing in a lockable toolbox to protect your tools during the day. These secure lockboxes are attached to the floor of the van, making it much more difficult for thieves to get away with your valuables.
- Think about where you park
When leaving your van and its contents unattended overnight, park somewhere that is well-lit or, ideally, in a garage. Thieves will be less likely to target your van if it’s easily seen by passers-by.
If this isn’t possible, you can install security lights on your driveway that overlook your van. These provide added safety by shining a bright light on any potential intruders using motion sensors. You can also buy security lights with fitted cameras as an added safety measure.
During the day, busy car parks with high footfall and CCTV in operation are the best options to keep your van secure.
- Double-check your insurance
Sometimes, even with all the best preventative measures in place, the unthinkable can still happen. That’s why it’s invaluable to prepare for that possibility with comprehensive insurance.
Unlike regular car insurance, van insurance policies offer options to cover the cost of stolen tools, safeguarding you against any financial disruption. For those who rely on your van for work, in particular, full comprehensive insurance is an absolute necessity.
If you are leasing a van, it’s important to double-check your existing van insurance as you may only be covered on a third-party basis.
- Mark your property and take an inventory
Marking your equipment is also a great way to protect against theft and will help police identify and potentially return recovered tools to you.
To do this, use a UV pen or engraving equipment to mark your tools. Take coloured photographs of your valuable items with serial/model numbers or other identifiable markings. That way, if the worst does happen, you have photographic evidence that the police can use to help track your belongings.
A spokesperson for Vansdirect shared:
“For many, a van is more than just a vehicle – it’s a means to a livelihood. That’s why following good safety measures is absolutely essential.
“Unfortunately, locking our van doors as normal just isn’t enough to deter thieves. Simple steps, such as planning your parking and steering wheel locks, can help to put your mind at ease and prevent thieves from attempting to enter your van in the dark.
“In the unfortunate case that you may fall victim to theft, making sure you are prepared with an inventory and fully comprehensive insurance will help if you need to make a claim. Keeping receipts for expensive tools is also a valuable practice.”
Whether you’re looking to buy new or want to lease, head over to the Vansdirect website to find your perfect van today.
