How to Keep Tools Safe in a Van

How to Keep Tools Safe in a Van

Vans can be a prime target for opportunistic thieves. They know that vans are often used by workmen or professionals to transport goods and carry tools, which can all be expensive (and valuable if sold).

Between October 2021 and September 2022, the Metropolitan Police recorded 12,361 instances of tool theft in London, with a value of over £2.4 million. Of these, 8,327 were from vehicles.

But perhaps most surprising is that the most common time of day for thefts was generally midweek, between 10am and 1pm. So, vans are actually still a prime target at busy periods on-site.

This shows the importance of van and tool security, no matter the time of day. Losing access to tools can mean downtime, and losing out on work and income.

Speedy is always here to provide you with any emergency tool hire so you can keep going, with 4-hour delivery on our most popular products and over 200 depots across the UK.

Ideally, tools should be removed from a van overnight or when it is left unattended. But we know this isn’t always a practical solution, especially given early mornings and shift work.

So, instead, follow our tips below, and ensure you have suitable secure storage equipment which minimises the likelihood of you being targeted.

 

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5 Tips to prevent theft from vans

You can never be 100% theft-proof, unfortunately. But below are some tips to ensure you’re minimising the risk as much as possible and, if it does happen, you have a high chance of being reunited with the equipment.

 

1. Utilise secure van storage

As mentioned above, the most popular times for van and tool theft aren’t necessarily overnight as you may think. The hours around lunchtime during the week see the highest activity.

So, never leave your tools just loose in the van. You should utilise secure storage, in the form of a Vanbox. This could even help you get a slightly cheaper insurance policy.

Armorgard has a range of van storage solutions, of varying sizes and capacities, which can hold power tools and can’t be forced open. This box can’t be carried away without sufficient equipment.

You can also remove this box from the van altogether, using a trolley or truck, if your site is in a high-traffic area such as a city centre.

 

2. Remove tools overnight

While the daytime may be more popular in the statistics for van theft, it doesn’t mean your tools are safe overnight. Far from.

Those in quieter, more rural areas in particular may see vehicle thefts being more common overnight, with less activity happening on the streets versus cities.

So, don’t store tools in a vehicle between shifts. Try to bring everything inside, and try not to make it clear that the tools will be in your home. A mobile storage box could make this easier.

If this isn’t possible, a storage facility could be needed, which offers high levels of security. These can often be cheap monthly—especially compared to the cost of losing your tools.

Be mindful of periods when thieves are more active, too. Crime can spike approaching Christmas, in July, and on Mondays.

 

3. Park somewhere safe

Parking can be difficult in residential areas. But try to park your van near your home, so security cameras can be focused on the van.

Avoid parking in areas where there are no cameras, such as side streets and alleys. You also want to try and park near street lighting, as criminals know the risks of being seen. Try and install some floodlights or motion detection alarms if this isn’t possible.

If you have a driveway, clever parking could help. Try to block off doors from being easily accessible.

 

4. Mark property for identification

Serial numbers, your business name, anything—mark tools so they are too hot to handle. UV markers, paint, or even scoring something into the body of the tool can be a deterrent to thieves or buyers.

If you’re hiring your tools, all Speedy equipment features our logo, so they can’t be sold on without the buyer knowing they are a hire product.

If you’re at high risk of theft, we have ranges such as the Milwaukee MX Fuel range, which features ONE-KEY™ technology. The app can give you geofencing alerts, real-time tracking, and barcode scanning to increase security, allowing you to stay on top of your tool collection.

Don’t forget to mark your van, either. While some thieves could target just the tools from your van, others could easily ensure the van becomes untraceable, too, with a few changes. Paint, permanent markers, and UV pens can ensure you’re the owner if found, even if colours or number plates have been changed.

Note the serial numbers on your vehicles, too. Install a GPS tracker if you can. Even a steering lock can help as a deterrent.

 

5. Be careful about van signage

You want to advertise your services on your van, but this can also act as an advertisement for the kinds of equipment in your van, and even where you may be located on work sites during the day.

Large displays are more difficult to cover up and would require a respray, which could put some potential thieves off targeting your van. If adding signage to your van, try to maximise their placements so it is difficult to cover.

 

Van Insurance

Some insurers will exclude cover for items left in your vehicle overnight, so if your items aren’t found, unfortunately you won’t be covered by your policy.

If you need cover for anything left in your van (this includes during the working day), check with insurers first if they provide a policy which will cover this.

Mentioning to your insurance company that you have a van storage box or vault installed could help.

Take regular photos of your van ideally daily, so you have proof of its contents and what the van looks like in the unfortunate event you need to make an insurance claim.