Van drivers across the UK are being urged to implement extra security measures as tool theft rates have soared by 57 percent.
Tackling the rising cases of tool theft in the UK
New research has shown that only 10 percent of vans in the UK are kept in a garage overnight, which according to experts, is a significant concern as tool theft has increased.
Thieves target vans for expensive tools kept inside, and Metropolitan Police data reported 13,677 cases of tool theft from vehicles between March 2021 and March 2022, equating to 37 cases of theft per day. This article discusses the importance of increasing security measures and some precautionary steps to protect your van and its contents.
The importance of additional safety features
The research carried out on 100,000 van insurance policies revealed the importance of additional safety features to deter thieves and improve security.
Even if your vehicle comes with basic security systems, factory-fitted immobilisers, and alarms, they may not be enough as modern thieves can evade them with key fob cloning and blocking.
It is crucial to implement additional safety features such as GPS tracking, reinforced locks, and secure shelving to protect your van’s contents. Installing CCTV cameras and motion sensors can also help prevent theft and provide evidence in case of a break-in.
Precautionary steps to protect your van and its contents
The experts stress that van drivers need to take precautionary steps to keep thieves away, such as not leaving valuables in plain sight or in the van overnight.
It is essential to park in a well-lit location and avoid drawing attention to the fact that there may be tools inside the vehicle by not displaying external branding and logos.
Adding decals and signage to a van can increase your insurance premium for that reason. Thus, it’s better to avoid displaying your van’s content and make sure it looks like an ordinary van.
Checking insurance policy coverage
It is also essential to double-check that your tools are covered by your van insurance policy.
They are not always included as standard, so it is essential to ensure that you have comprehensive coverage for your van and its contents.
In the event of a theft, having the right insurance policy can help keep your business running and minimize financial loss.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rising tool theft rates across the UK should be a significant concern for van drivers.
Implementing additional safety features such as GPS tracking, reinforced locks, and secure shelving can help deter thieves and improve security.
Furthermore, taking precautionary steps such as parking in a well-lit location, not leaving valuables in plain sight, and avoiding external branding and logos can help prevent theft.
Finally, it is crucial to double-check that your tools are covered by your van insurance policy, as they are not always included as standard.