If you rely on your van for business, it’s vital you not only keep it running well, but maximise security too. Vans can be a target for opportunistic thieves, especially if they think there’s something valuable inside. Many van owners transport and store expensive tools and equipment and thieves know this.
Having your van broken into is stressful and can prevent you from carrying on business as usual. It’s a real problem faced by self-employed tradespeople. When a van – and the tools it transports – are your livelihood, having them stolen is a huge headache.
In 2016, tool theft costs UK tradespeople just under £100 million (£94,521,600), according to one report. Workers rely on these tools to get the job done, so it’s not surprising theft forces people to miss work and potentially lose out on money coming in. In fact, in the same report, some people were over £14,000 out of pocket after just one break in. Other findings included:
- 71% of workers admitted they felt stress and/or anxiety after being stolen from
- 50% of tradespeople couldn’t work the next day, with some workers having to take two weeks off
- Being unable to work costs 50% of tradespeople at least £500.
There’s also the effects on existing customers, and potential reputational damage. It’s a lot for tradespeople to worry about and can quickly have an impact on wellbeing.
UK theft statistics
- There were 22,749 van or tool thefts in 2017. That was a rise of nearly two-thirds in two years
- A van is broken into and the tools stolen every 23 minutes. That’s around 62 thefts every day.
Unfortunately, car and van theft is on the rise. Criminals are also breaking into vans, not to steal the vehicle, but to take the tools inside. With the average tool theft claim costing £1,692, falling victim is costly. Fifty percent of people asked had even been stolen from more than once. Even more (70%) knew someone who had tools taken from their van.
Around the UK, there are tool theft hotspots:
- London
- Sheffield
- Birmingham
- Leicester
- Chelmsford
- Tunbridge Wells
- Bristol
- Nottingham
- Northampton
- Reading
How criminals target your van
Whether you live and work in one of the hotspots or not, you’ll want to minimise the chance of theft. One of the best ways of doing this is understanding how criminals work.
Of course, many thefts happen in a typical smash-and-grab style. But as vans use more sophisticated technology, criminals have to modernise their methods. They’re pretty savvy and can get past many advances in security. Some experts criticise the police budget cuts too, as fewer officers doesn’t help.
Some of the newer way’s criminals are targeting vans include:
- Door peeling
- Key fob hacking
Maximising your van security
Did you know there are seven times more light good vehicles than lorries on our roads? According to SMMT, there are more than 3.2 million vans used for business across the UK. That’s a lot of vans which could be targeted. Learning how to maximise security could pay off.
Parking your van safely
Your van is most at risk when you leave it somewhere. Parking securely can deter criminals. After all, most thefts are opportunistic. If you don’t give thieves the opportunity, then they might pass your van by.
Some of these tips might seem simple, but they’re easily forgotten after a busy day at work. Try and get into a routine, and remember to do the following regularly:
- Always store your tools elsewhere at night. Take them out of the van and put them somewhere secure – whether that’s at a business storage facility or at home
- Mark your property. You can mark your van and all the tools with paint, permanent markers or ultraviolet pens to make sure you’re the recognisable owner if they’re found. Similarly, take photos and keep a note of any serial numbers to prove ownership
- Decide on van signage. Van signs can indicate to criminals what types of tools they could find inside. But large displays, including your contact details, can be deterring for criminals who don’t want to pay for a re-spray. It’s up to you
- Park somewhere well-lit. Something as simple as additional lighting can be enough to deter criminals. They’ll know the risks of being visible to other people who might alert the police
- Back up against a wall. If possible, reverse your van so the side and back doors can’t be accessed. This stops anyone being able to cut into thinner metals and peel them back to get access to your van. With clever parking, you’ll give them no area to work on these entry points
- Install GPS tracking. Good quality trackers are off-putting and can help you get a stolen van back. They can be a huge help for the police trying to get your van back to you
- Be aware of riskier times. Throughout the year, there are certain spikes when thieves seem to be more active. These include:
o The months leading up to Christmas
o Mondays
o July - Consider old tactics. They might seem old fashioned, but visible deterrents such as steering and handbrake locks can be effective at making your van a less appealing target.
Types of locks
To improve your van’s security, many experts recommend taking additional steps to protect your assets. One of the best lines of defence is a decent lock. But where do you start? Some common types of lock include:
- Slamlock. Vans with slamlocks installed lock up instantly as you shut the door. There’s no risk of forgetting to lock the van or leaving it temporarily unattended. It’s always protected
- Deadlock. Harder to pick than other locks because there’s no spring in the locking mechanism, a deadlock will secure the doors with a single bolt. You do need to remember to lock the doors every time you leave the van unattended, though
- Catalytic converter lock. The catalytic converter in your van has particulate filters which contain precious metals. Thieves can easily sell these on. You can buy specialist locks to protect your catalytic converter.
How van owners are fighting back
If you find yourself a victim of van or tool theft, it can be frustrating waiting for an insurance pay out. What’s more, many people are disappointed with the punishments given to any burglars who are caught. These include community service or a fine.
Fed up with the situation, many tradespeople are committed to raising public awareness and driving change. This includes:
- Demanding stronger laws. There’s a call for stronger punishment – for tool theft in particular. A ‘Tool Crime Deserves Time’ petition, with a target of 50,000 signatures, was set up by Lee Watts. “Our government must look strongly into the growing problem of tool theft from vans and must impose much tougher penalties on those convicted of these crimes,” he writes.In March 2018, more than 150 vans travelled to Plymouth city centre in convoy to protest the increase in tool thefts in the area. Up and down the country, it’s a problem tradespeople share – and they’re prepared to fight for change
- Sharing tips amongst other tradespeople. There are groups on Facebook, including Tradesmen Against Thieves, as well as websites (e.g. Van Security Talk Group), which share help and advice on stolen vans and tools.