UK sees a sharp spike in tool theft from vans

Security is always a perennial concern for van drivers and owners, and more so now than ever before – in recent weeks, there’s been a significant rise in the number of tools being stolen from vans across the UK.

According to new research by On The Tools, 86% of UK tradespeople worry about tool theft, with 3 in 5 (58%) having that worry daily. It goes some way to illustrating how serious the issue has become for tradespeople, many of whom include our customers for the best new van deals here at Van Discount. So if it’s something that you’re concerned about, here’s what you need to know.

What’s going on?

Essentially, each year in the UK, millions of pounds worth of tools are stolen from vans. Often, thieves make off with thousands of pounds’ worth of equipment in a single raid, and while tradespeople aren’t the only victims, they are feeling the brunt of it.

One roofer from Kent had £3,000 worth of tools stolen from his van, while a gas fitter lost £8,500 worth of equipment. In another instance, a builder was left reeling after losing a staggering £15,000 worth of tools in a single theft. And it’s not just individuals being affected, but organisations too. For example, power tools worth over £20,000 were taken from a charity workshop in Chichester, West Sussex, just before Christmas.

Kent Police recently seized almost 4,000 stolen tools, with an estimated total value of around £1 million. However, a large percentage of these tools remain unclaimed because the police are unable to trace their rightful owners. Accordingly, there are now calls from law enforcement for the mandatory registration of power tool serial numbers at the point of buying, as a way to help track stolen goods and return them to their owners.

Is there any action being taken?

Yes. In February, a large group of tradespeople gathered in London’s Parliament Square to demand tougher enforcement and stronger penalties for those who steal tools. The campaign, organised by the group Trades United, is specifically calling for longer prison sentences for thieves and a clampdown on the sale of second-hand tools at suspiciously low prices.

The group also wants more stringent controls on the sale of tools at car boot sales and markets, since they’re often used as a marketplace for criminals to offload stolen items, making it easier for them to turn a profit and harder for authorities to trace the origins of the stolen goods.

In response to the growing problem, the government has introduced the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill. Tabled by Portsmouth North MP, Amanda Martin, the Bill aims to impose harsher sentences for people convicted of stealing tools, aiming to act as a deterrent to potential criminals.

The Bill also seeks to recognise the full financial impact on victims, proposing that thefts of tools be added to the list of crimes considered as causing “significant additional harm” to the victim. This would take into account not only the value of the stolen tools but also other costs, such as repairs to vans and lost earnings due to the disruption caused by the theft. The Bill had its second reading in April, and the latest update (at the time of writing) was in late April, so it has a good chance of ultimately becoming law.

Top tips to keep your van safe from tool theft

While the authorities and lawmakers are taking action to address the issue, if you’re concerned there are also steps that you can take to reduce the risk of having their tools stolen. Here are three of the most important tips to help keep your van and tools secure:

1. Install security systems. Alarms, CCTV cameras, and motion sensors can make your van a less attractive target for thieves. The presence of these systems can act as a strong deterrent, especially in high-risk areas.
2. Use secure storage solutions. It’s a good idea to look at robust toolboxes or van vaults that are particularly difficult to break into. Make sure they are securely fastened and out of sight when not in use, as tools left in view are more likely to be stolen.
3. Park in well-lit, secure areas. Whenever possible, park your van in a well-lit area with high foot traffic, or ideally, in a secure, enclosed space. Thieves are less likely to target a vehicle in a busy or monitored location.

Of course, older vans can sometimes be more vulnerable to break-ins due to the lack of modern security features, so if you’re looking at investing in a brand new van, that’s exactly where we can help here at Van Discount. With over 20 years of experience, we’ll make sure you find the perfect van that fits your needs, including models from leading manufacturers like Ford, Vauxhall and Renault (just to name a few!).

We’ve even been able to save our customers up to 30% off the regular price on selected models. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call today at 01282 872 530, and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can!