Good Evening Resident,

We have recently seen a rise in reports of tools being stolen from vans across Bolton.

Tools in tradesperson’s and company vehicles are regularly targeted by thieves, as they are expensive and easily disposed of at car boot sales, pawn shops or via websites. The cost of tool theft can be devastatingly expensive for tradespeople and businesses, not to mention the inconvenience of replacing the tools and the loss of trade. To make matters worse, thieves will often target that same tradesperson or business again once the stolen tools have been replaced with new products.

Taking these 9 steps can reduce the risk:

1) When you're parking your van, even for short periods at the builders’ merchants, a café or on a job, you should think carefully about where you are stopping. Parking with the rear or side doors against a wall or very sturdy railings will help to ensure that they can't be prised open.

2) Where possible, make sure you park in well-lit areas with lots of foot traffic, and ideally with CCTV cameras insight or where you can see your vehicle from where you are working.

3) Fit a secure van vault in the rear for expensive power tools. They come in a range of different sizes and can be bolted to the vehicle cargo floor.

4) Tools are often recovered by the police but frustratingly the police are unable to trace the owner. Security marking your tools using an Secured by Design (SBD) recognised forensic asset marking or etching kit is another highly effective, visible deterrent to thieves and an established method of reducing theft.

5) Advertise the fact you use a security system for your van and tools with a sticker on the vehicle. Consider using a battery-operated GSM mobile alert system and camera which can alert you to anything suspicious.

6) Tracking systems can be used for larger tools. Many systems are battery operated and activate once the item is stolen and track the car via GPS and other systems. SBD have several members which specialise in this area and can advise on the best system and fitting of the product for your vehicle type.

7) Remove tools from your van when left overnight and store them in a safe place.

8) If you are parking your vehicle on the street overnight, consider parking it under or near a street light. The opportunistic criminal does not want to be seen or caught and this simple tip may just protect your van, not only from theft but, someone causing criminal damage to your vehicle.

9) Install CCTV where you park your van. CCTV can be a deterrent and help protect both your van, its contents and your premises. If you do decide to use CCTV, it is important to read the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) advice on Domestic CCTV systems.

If you have been a victim of tool theft or attempted tool theft, please make sure you have reported this to the police. If you have any CCTV footage of anyone acting suspiciously around your van, please reply to this message.

Kind regards,