A recent article on the Construction Enquirer website covered work by Kent Police’s Rural Task Force following an operation to seize more than 1,000 stolen tools with an estimated value of over £500,000 and arrest seven people in connection with the thefts. The tools were recovered as there was a tracking device on one of them as the owner had been targeted multiple times before.
Tool theft continues to be a growing issue for our industry and figures from 2021 showed the average theft claim through FMB Insurance being £5,811. It’s also estimated that during a builder’s working life, around £10,000 worth of tools is lost. Losing tools can mean losing money and may mean that they can’t get back to work until the tools are replaced via an insurance claim.
What can you do about tool theft?
With 63% of thefts occurring on site and 37% from vehicles, there’s a few measures you can take to help reduce the likelihood of tool theft. Secured by Design (SBD), the official police security initiative, and owned by the UK Police Service, offers recommendations and security advice to prevent theft and crime. These include:
For vans:
- Keep valuables out of sight: Avoid leaving valuable items visible in your vehicle, including mobile phones, satnavs, money, wallets, and handbags. Either remove them from the vehicle or hide them securely.
- Conceal keys and fobs: Ensure keys and ignition fobs are kept hidden and inaccessible. Never leave them inside the vehicle, even briefly. At home, store them away from windows and doors to deter potential thieves.
- Secure doors and windows: Always lock your vehicle and close windows when it's unattended, whether parked at home, a petrol station, or elsewhere. Consider installing an approved alarm or immobiliser system if your vehicle lacks factory-fitted security features.
- Install a tracking system: Boost the chances of recovering your van by installing a tracker that activates upon theft. Seek advice from organisations like SBD for the best system suitable for your vehicle.
- Utilise physical security measures: Prevent theft by using theft-resistant number plate fittings and securing them with one-way clutch head screws. Consider additional deterrents like steering wheel locks or security boxes over pedals. Parking in a garage or out of sight can also deter thieves.
- Consider garage alarm integration: Integrate your house alarm with the garage or park your van on a secure driveway, possibly with gates. Closing gates at night or during vehicle downtime can enhance security.
For tools:
- Strategic parking: When parking your van, especially in short-term situations like at builders’ merchants or cafes, choose locations where the rear or side doors can't be easily accessed, such as against a wall or sturdy railings.
- Opt for well-lit areas: Park in well-lit areas with high foot traffic whenever possible, and preferably within sight of CCTV cameras or your working location.
- Install a secure van vault: Bolting a secure van vault in the rear can safeguard expensive power tools. Vaults are available in various sizes and can be affixed to the vehicle cargo floor.
- Security mark your tools: Use SBD-recognised forensic asset marking or etching kits to visibly mark your tools. This serves as a potent deterrent to thieves and aids in police recovery efforts.
- Utilise tool and asset databases: Register tools and property on SBD-approved databases to assist police in tracing stolen items back to their owners.
- Display security measures: Advertise your van and tool security with vehicle stickers. Consider installing a battery-operated GSM mobile alert system with a camera for added vigilance.
- Employ tracking systems: Larger tools can benefit from tracking systems activated upon theft, tracking via GPS and other means. Seek advice from SBD members for suitable systems and installation.
- Remove tools overnight: Store tools in a secure location overnight rather than leaving them in the van.
- Utilise streetlight parking: If parking on the street overnight, choose spots under or near streetlights to deter opportunistic criminals who prefer darkness.
You can also find other tool theft and crime prevention related advice via the FMB’s website.
Share your thoughts on tool theft
Have you had tools or equipment stolen? What was the impact on you and your business?
Get in touch and let me know your thoughts.
Authors
Iain Kirtley
With over 20 years’ experience of membership bodies, not for profit organisations and the private sector, Iain joined the FMB in August 2023 from the Chartered Institute of Building where he worked with construction companies of all sizes to support them with training, development and accreditation.
