How to Prevent Tool Theft
Posted by Katy | Toolstop on 7th Apr 2022
Tool theft is a serious issue. It happens; and it happens a lot more often than you may think. Protect your tools with our storage solutions at Toolstop.
Protect Your Tools with our Site Storage Solutions
Tool theft is a serious issue. It happens; and it happens a lot more often than you may think. Every 23 minutes in the UK, a tradeperson’s van is broken into, and this figure is up by 30%.
It’s a shocking statistic and it negatively impacts the lives of those affected. Stolen tools means jobs can’t be done, money can’t be earned and mortgages can’t be paid. With our range of site storage solutions at Toolstop, we can help prevent this.
Methods you can use to Prevent Tool Theft
In this short guide, we will cover 3 simple tips to help prevent the theft of tools, or at least make your tools less desirable to be stolen, or easier to recover. We will also recommend some of our top storage solutions from Van Vault that ensure your tools are left in the safest hands when they're not in use.
No, these tips aren’t going to solve the problem, but by being smart and taking preventative measures, hopefully, you can make it less likely for your tools to be nicked, or at least make it possible to get them back. Failing that, making sure you’re covered by a good quality insurance policy can go at least some way towards getting you back up and working as soon as possible.
#1 – Keep a Note of All Serial Numbers
We see this all too often in Facebook discussions on tool theft. You’ve had your tools stolen, but you’ve got insurance. But guess what the police will need from you if your tools are found in the back of some dodgy lock up? Serial numbers.
Note down the serial number of each tool and each battery you own. Record them in a spreadsheet like Excel or Google Sheets. Take a photo of each tool with the serial number visible and log this in the spreadsheet too.
And while you’re at it, take photos of the receipts – or proof of purchase. Your insurance company will likely want to see them.
No, this step won’t prevent the tools being stolen, but it could be the difference between getting them returned or helping the police return them to you. Equally, removing all hurdles from the insurance claim process will hopefully get you back out to work quickly.
#2 – Mark Your Tools
This is as old school as it gets, but it’s still worth doing, particularly to deter potential thieves on the jobsite. Use something like the Dremel 4300 to engrave some sort of marking on your tools and batteries, taking care not to damage any electronics. Then use some white enamel paint to draw attention to this marking.
Again, this step won’t prevent someone with despicably sticky fingers lifting your tools, but it will make it easier to identify them and will hopefully serve as a visual deterrent.
#3 – Invest in Some Smart Technology
Several of the big power tool manufacturers have developed technology within power tools, batteries and little trackers that, while not preventing theft, will help track the stolen tools.
No, this isn’t fool-proof, but there are loads of anecdotal stories on social media of tradespeople who’ve been able to track down the exact location of their nicked tools by utilising this technology. Dewalt’s Tool Connect, built into tools and batteries, is one such example of this technology.
It will place the stolen tool on a map where it was last seen, and anyone in the country using the Tool Connect app can look out for your stolen tools wherever they are. It’s a good idea to download this app to your phone, even if you don’t use Dewalt tools.
This smart technology isn’t theft prevention as such, rather it’s about theft recovery.
#4 – Invest in a Heavy-Duty Tool Storage Solution
It goes without saying that your tools should be locked up safe when not in use, especially if you are leaving them on-site or in your van overnight. Whilst we wouldn't recommend either of these, sometimes you don't have a choice.
At Toolstop, we have some great heavy-duty tool storage solutions for you that have been specially designed to help prevent tool theft. Again, these storage solutions are not 100% fool-proof, but they will make it much harder for a theft to break into or nick.
Below we have listed 3 of our favourite site storage boxes from Van Vault. Van Vault are the UK's No.1 brand for keeping your tools stored and secured, and they have made it their mission to help reduce tool theft. They have carried out rigorous research and testing to develop the strongest security products to deter thieves and minimise the risk of theft, protecting your expensive tools and equipment.
"If you can’t afford to be without your tools, then you can’t afford to be without the latest Van Vault".
Van Vault is the first in-vehicle secure storage product tested and certified by Sold Secure and Secured by Design - the UK’s official police preferred specification. 21 years of designing, testing and innovating to give you a product that truly works.
Here's our top picks:
Van Vault Mobi S10850 Storage Box
The Mobi is certified by Sold Secure and Secured by Design, the UK's Police preferred specification. Unique to Van Vault, the Vaultlock locking system sits deep within the body of the drawer and provides advanced protection against drilling, cutting and picking. It is built with a 2mm steel construction with fully phosphated anti-corrosion protection. The flush front lid protects against attacks with crow bars or car jacks, keeping thieves out.
Features:
- 4 reinforced fixing points for easy installation to the vehicle floor
- The flush front lid protects against attacks with crowbars or car jacks
- Bolt-on lid handle designed to shear off if attacked
Van Vault Slider S10870 Storage Box
The Slider is also certified by Sold Secure and Secured by Design, the UK's Police preferred specification. Again, it features the Vaultlock locking system which provides advanced protection against drilling, cutting and picking. This high security drawer adds extra depth to your tool storage setup. It has been constructed to take the weight of other equipment meaning you can stack on-top and not lose any valuable van space.
Features:
- The drawer can carry up to 300kg inside
- The reinforced slip resistant top is designed to take loads up to 1 tonne, maximising van floor space
- Pre-drilled fixing points for easy installation to the vehicle floor and to other Van Vault products
Van Vault 2 S10810 Storage Box
The Van Vault 2 (S10810) is the toughest, most secure version of the original Van Vault 2. All your valuable kit is stored and secured behind a heavy duty steel body with a reinforced lid. This model also benefits from the VaultLock locking system and is certified by Sold Secure and Secured by Design, the UK's Police preferred specification.
Features:
- The first secure storage product designed for vehicles to have been independently tested and certified by Secured by Design, the UK’s Police approved standard
- The Vaultlock locking system provides advanced protection against drilling, cutting and picking
- 3mm steel construction with fully phosphated anti-corrosion protection
- 4 reinforced fixing points for easy installation to the vehicle floor
The rise in tool theft in the UK is despicable and we fully believe that more needs to be done by the authorities to track down and punish those that are responsible. All we can do is urge you all to be vigilant about where you leave or store your tools and to take as many precautions as possible to both prevent theft and make the recovery of your stolen tools as easy as possible.