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Last year in the UK tool theft rocketed by 30%! Yorkshire and the Midlands were the worst affected, but there is a general problem nationwide. Most of the time, tools are stolen from vans, as tradespeople, tired after a long day leave them in the van overnight. The alternative to this is lugging them into the shed, garage or house at the end of the day, only to reload them the following morning. Unfortunately the ‘wonderful’ individuals who make a living from burglary know this, and this is why they break into vans.
Brian Berry of the Federation of Master Builders [FMB] said “More than half of builders in the UK have fallen foul of tool theft with concerns growing over a crime wave wreaking havoc across the construction industry. Tools are being stolen from vans and direct from construction sites, with some builders even being assaulted by would-be thieves.”
Shocking statistics show that in West Yorkshire, over £836,000 worth of tools were stolen between March 2018 and April 2019. A tradesman in Sonning Common, Greater London was left £10,000 out of pocket when tool thieves struck. They even helped themselves to his lunch box! This victim said “It’s so easy to get into a false sense of security because you never think it’s going to happen to you.”
In Somerset recently, the local Gazette reported that 334 thefts of tools and machinery from vehicles were recorded over 5 years. This amounted to £150,000 of robbed equipment, yet there were only two arrests.
Mr Berry of the FMB offered the following advice: “Where possible, builders should bring tools inside at night. If that’s not possible, install extra locks or safes in the van and park against a wall or in a secluded location not visible from the road.” He went on to add: “Installing an affordable CCTV system is one option but builders should also ensure they overtly brand their items with company details. They should also register their tool serial numbers on an online database.”
Larger, valuable tools and equipment can be kept in a purpose built self storage unit or container, this is becoming a popular practice. You will find excellent self storage facilities for your tools at Billericay Removals, call for a quote on 01277 653866 or 01268 768246 .