Crime Prevention-Tool thefts

Crime Prevention-Tool thefts

Resident

As you may have seen over the last few months on your news program of choice, theft of tools from van has been on the rise.

The below suggestions are aimed at helping prevent this from happening to yourselves.

Smart Daily Routines

Even the most fortified van can be bypassed if standard safety routines are forgotten.

The Golden Rule: Empty your van of critical or high-value power tools overnight whenever possible. Display a clear "No Tools Left Inside Overnight" sticker to deter opportunists.

Park Strategically: Park in well-lit, busy areas covered by CCTV. When at home, park your vehicle with the rear or sliding doors tightly backed up against a solid wall, garage door, or fence to prevent access.

Lock It Every Time: Never leave your vehicle unlocked or running while unloading, popping into a shop, or even working just a few metres away.

Clear the Dashboard: Hide phone chargers, loose change, and anything that hints at valuables inside the vehicle to keep the cabin looking completely

Forensic DNA Asset Marking: Use a liquid microdot such as SelectaDNA —to brush invisible codes onto your gear. This glows under UV light, linking recovered tools straight back to you and aiding in criminal convictions.

Vehicle & Site Upgrades

Vans account for over half of all reported tool thefts. Relying solely on a vehicle's standard factory locks leaves it highly vulnerable to common tactics like the "peel and steal" attack.

Install Heavy-Duty Locks: Fit aftermarket SlamLocks (which lock automatically when a door closes) or Deadlocks (which add an extra internal bolt).

Apply Anti-Peel Kits: These steel brackets reinforce the top corners of van doors to stop thieves from physically bending the metal downward.

Secure the Interior: Use an anchored, lockable steel tool vault or slider drawer system inside the vehicle to add a secondary layer of security if a break-in occurs.

Protect the Windows: Install window grilles, blanks, or internal bulkheads to block thieves from seeing your cargo space or smashing through the glass.

Until next time, stay safe

PC Connor Willis