To brand or not to brand: could tradie advertising encourage tool theft?
Posted by: electime 19th February 2026
Tool theft and van break-ins have surged in recent years, making life even harder for tradies already dealing with a harsh economic climate.
Many tradespeople are already taking steps to try and protect their tools and their van from thieves, but for those unsure about how best to deter thieves, Barry Marsh, insurance expert at Trade Direct Insurance, has highlighted key dos and don’ts to help protect your livelihood.
Barry shares: “Whilst taking steps to deter thieves and protect your van are always recommended, they are no substitute for comprehensive tool insurance that will provide full protection and reimbursement for stolen tools. Always make sure that your insurance covers the full value of your tools, and that you completely understand the terms and conditions of your policy to reduce the risk of a rejected claim.”
After market security isn’t always advised
Barry explains: “You might be tempted to add aftermarket security measures to your van, but before you do, it’s important that you consider what possible impact it may have.
“Before adding any new security measures to your van, always check your van insurance to make sure your new additions do not invalidate your policy. Whilst alarms and immobilisers may be accepted and are sensible choices to upgrade your van’s security, upgrading the locks or adding reinforcement like welded metal sheets can result in your claim being rejected in the event of a break-in.
“This is because additional security measures may affect the terms of your van insurance, and whilst this may not impact your tool insurance claim, it could result in the van itself being uninsured.
“Before modifying your van in any way, always check your insurance policy for exclusions, and if in doubt, I would recommend speaking to your insurer directly.”
Never assume your van is safe
Barry shares: “Whether you’re parked on a busy high street, outside your home, or on site, you should never assume your van or your tools are safe. Some thieves can be brazen when committing thefts and may target tradies as they unload vans or work on site.
“Whether you’re unloading your van, in between tasks, or just nipping inside to speak to a client, never assume your van is safe. Always lock up and park in a highly visible place to discourage opportunistic theft.”
The marketing vs security dilemma
Barry comments: “For years, advertising your business on the side of your van has been one of the most effective ways to spread word of mouth and attract clients, but with tool theft on the rise, there is an argument that traditional advertising may make your van more of a target.
“Using your van to advertise your business, especially if your company name refers to your trade, can draw attention and inform thieves about what tools you may possess. In some cases, therefore, it may be better for tradies to invest more time and money into marketing their business online, rather than on the sides of their van.
“However, it’s important to note that thieves can and do target unbranded vans, especially if an opportunity arises, such as a van being left unlocked.
“It’s the decision of individual tradespeople whether or not they choose to remove branding from their van. Whilst it may slightly reduce the chance your van is targeted by thieves, it could also result in lost business. Consider weighing up your individual circumstances before making a decision.”
Whilst there are no hard-and-fast rules to improve your security, Barry has shared some simple steps that could help make your van less of a target.
Remove your tools
Barry notes: “Removing your tools from your van at night can be time-consuming and annoying, but it is the number one way you can reduce the risk of tool theft.
“If you can, remove as many tools as possible overnight, prioritising your most expensive and most used tools. Even if you cannot remove all tools, you can reduce the impact by securing your most expensive items, and you can continue working, protecting your most important tools.”
Simple visual deterrants
Barry comments: “Similar to car theft, you can make your van a less appealing target by installing visual deterrents, such as a steering lock or pedal lock, or stickers indicating that no tools are left in your van overnight.
“This can sometimes deter opportunistic thieves who may be looking for an easy target.”
Park smart
Barry shares: “Where and how you park your van can help to make it more difficult for thieves to access it.
“Always park in a highly visible area wherever possible, and prioritise areas monitored by CCTV. It’s also a good idea to incorporate obstructions if possible, such as parking close to a wall or an obstacle, so that your van cannot be accessed from the rear without being moved. Secure parking, such as a monitored car park, or parking behind a fence or within a garage, can also add additional layers of security that deter thieves.”
Never confront thieves
Barry concludes: “Importantly, you should never attempt to confront thieves for your own safety. Many of the tools carried by thieves to break into your van can also be used as weapons against you, and whilst losing your tools is a devastating outcome, it is significantly better than being harmed yourself.
“If you spot a theft in progress, immediately call the police and consider indirect methods of raising the alarm, such as triggering home or car alarms, or shouting to draw attention from neighbours or other members of the public. In many cases, thieves will flee when spotted, but it is always best to avoid direct confrontation when possible.”
For more information about Trade Direct Insurance, visit: https://www.tradedirectinsurance.co.uk/
