Tool theft has soared by 33% since 2020, new research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles reveals.
It’s found that more than a third (36%) of van drivers fell victim to theft last year as a result of soaring crime rates in this area.
Its data also reveals that UK tradespeople reported £3.5bn worth of stolen equipment in 2023 while the average value of tools stolen per van last year stood at just over £2,000.
Almost half (48%) of van drivers confess to keeping high-value tools in their vans overnight, not only putting them at risk of theft but also of an increase in future insurance premiums.
A freedom of information request to 45 police forces across the UK also shows that London remains a hot spot for the crime in 2022 with over 6,000 reports in the capital alone. Across the 37 forces who responded, more than 9,000 complaints relating to tool theft were logged in 2022.
Volkswagen Financial Services has provided its top tips for van drivers to protect vehicles:
Be a conscious parker – When possible, ensure that the van is parked in a well-lit place which is visible to passers-by, not in areas which are secluded and dark.
Stay alert, be aware – Check your surroundings before offloading your tools – savvy thieves can spot a high-value tool and are willing to take risks to steal them.
Track your vehicle – Consider fitting your van, or tools, with a tracking device so that you can see where they are at all times.
‘No tools on board’ – The best way to prevent your tools from being stolen is to not leave them in the van, especially overnight. If you remove your vehicles from your van, then consider affixing a sign to the van saying ‘no tools left in vehicle overnight’
Take note – If you do need to leave any tools in your vehicles, then ensure that they are security marked (noting the serial numbers of all tools is also advised). If your tools are tagged, then put a sticker on them to advertise this fact.
Taking extra precautionary measures – Sometimes tools have to be left in a vehicle, in a vulnerable location. If this is the case, then consider fitting additional safety locks to the rear and side door, or install lockable racking and safe boxes, making it harder for thieves to break in.
