Theft of tools from vehicles

Theft of tools from vehicles

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🔐 Crime Prevention Advice: Tools Stolen from Vans

Tool theft from vans remains a high‑volume, targeted crime across the UK, with thefts occurring as frequently as every 20–23 minutes. Below is a consolidated set of the most effective, police‑endorsed prevention methods. [nbcc.police.uk], [selectadna.co.uk]

✅ 1. Never Leave Tools in Your Van Overnight

This is the #1 recommendation from the Met Police. [selectadna.co.uk]

Remove tools completely where possible.

Use window stickers stating “No tools left in this van overnight”.

✅ 2. Mark and Register All Tools

Use property marking kits (forensic marking such as SelectaDNA).

Police and the NBCC recommend marking tools and registering them on a national database. [nbcc.police.uk], [selectadna.co.uk]

Suggested registers include:

Secure Asset Register
Immobilise (free) [theboltonnews.co.uk]

Marked tools are harder to sell and more easily returned.

✅ 3. Use a Police‑Approved Internal Storage Vault

Look for Sold Secure Gold or Secured by Design certification. [selectadna.co.uk]

Bolt the vault to the van floor.

An internal vault/cage reduces losses even if the van is breached.

✅ 4. Upgrade Vehicle Security

🔧 Locks

Fit deadlocks, slamlocks, and high‑security additional locks. [theboltonnews.co.uk]

🔔 Alarms & Trackers

Install smart alarms or GPS trackers (preferably Thatcham‑approved). [selectadna.co.uk]

Use a secondary alarm not linked to the factory central locking (harder to bypass). [nbcc.police.uk]

🚫 Prevent Relay Attacks

Keep keys in an RF‑blocking pouch. [theboltonnews.co.uk]

✅ 5. Park with Crime Prevention in Mind

Park with rear or sliding doors against a wall to block access. [nbcc.police.uk], [theboltonnews.co.uk]

Choose well‑lit, CCTV‑covered areas.

If you have a garage, use it. [theboltonnews.co.uk]

Even small obstacles make your van a less attractive target.

✅ 6. Keep the Van De‑Cluttered and Windows Clear

Do not leave anything on show, even bags, coats, or empty cases. These attract opportunists. [nbcc.police.uk]

Remove sat‑nav marks and charger cables. Thieves often break in “just to check”. [police.uk]

✅ 7. Secure External Equipment

Use lockable ladder clamps and secure storage tubes. [nbcc.police.uk]

Remove copper piping from roofs and secure during transit — it’s a common theft item. [nbcc.police.uk]

✅ 8. Maintain a Digital Inventory of All Tools

Keep photos, serial numbers, and purchase info.

Use apps or spreadsheets; police‑endorsed suggestions include Secure Asset Register. [selectadna.co.uk]

This speeds up insurance claims and recovery.

✅ 9. On Work Sites

Ensure sites are properly fenced and gated.

Report suspicious behaviour via 101. [theboltonnews.co.uk]

✅ 10. Be Aware of Crime Patterns

Police data shows:

Tool theft is year‑round, not seasonal. [kingsbridge.co.uk]

Theft “peak months” tend to be October–November, but summer theft levels remain high. [kingsbridge.co.uk]

Mid‑day and brighter conditions do not reduce risk.

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Message Sent By
Brian Sims
(Metropolitan Police, PCSO, Rainham and Wennington)