Van drivers warned to prepare for surge in Christmas thefts

Tradespeople have been warned to take extra security measures when it comes to their tools this Christmas.

Van insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk have warned the risk of tool theft may increase over the festive period given valuable equipment will spend more time sitting idle and thieves are more likely to be in action before the expensive holiday season.

Whilst Christmas should be a time for tradespeople to down tools for a couple of weeks and enjoy some well-earned time off, it could also be a time for opportunistic criminals to take advantage. 

With work vans being parked up for longer periods of time, there is the risk of tool theft throughout the festive season.  Plus the darker evenings provide cover, and colder mornings – where vans may be left running to warm up – create ideal scenarios for thieves.*

Where possible, tools should always be removed from a work van but taking extra security measures, such as fitting an alarm, a tracking device and making sure that insurance cover includes tools, can all help to keep equipment and finances secure. 

Research analysed by experts at Quotezone last year found that over the course of the previous year, there had been an increase of 57% in cases of tool theft from vehicles. 

When analysing a sample of 100,000 van insurance policies, Quotezone research showed only 10% of vans are locked in a garage overnight – raising concerns over van safety and the need for some additional measures to improve van security.**

Earlier this year in June, hundreds of tradespeople from across the UK took to London’s Parliament Square to protest the alarming rise in tool theft. 

With Christmas now approaching, Quotezone CEO and van insurance expert Greg Wilson has issued a fresh warning to tradespeople, saying: “Last year our analysis showed a huge increase in tool theft from the previous year and as we approach Christmas it’s important tradespeople are protected – making sure their tools and vehicles are well-secured.  Simple things like not attracting attention to the tools through business related branding or signage can help – it may also help reduce the insurance premium for this very reason.

“It’s best to remove any tools from vehicles for the holidays and store them inside the home, garage or a secure facility. 

“But if this isn’t an option, and the tools need to be left in the van, always try to park it carefully in a well-lit area, ideally where the space itself restricts access to the doors and somewhere that has CCTV in operation.

“Van drivers can even get cameras that can be placed discreetly inside the van, and investment in a good quality and reliable security alarm system can help to deter any potential thieves. 

“If abroad on holiday, tradespeople should make sure not to post on social media that they’re away or tag in their location – keep the settings private and post any holiday snaps when safely back home, one in five thieves use social media to look for victims.

“Many standard van insurance policies may not cover tool theft by default, so getting additional cover for any potential incidents helps protect the van and the business.”

Tips to improve van security

Remove your tools

The easiest option to lower your chances of being targeted by thieves is to remove any tools or valuables from your vehicle to begin with, if possible. 

Use a lockable toolbox or vault

Not everyone will have the space to store tools in their homes or garage. Investing in a lockable toolbox or vault inside your van offers a secure storage option that could deter thieves.

Plan your parking

If parking in a locked garage or a private driveway is not an option, then make sure you try to park in a busy, well-lit area where CCTV is in operation.

Invest in a high-quality alarm system

There are different variations of alarm systems that can add another layer of security to your vehicle, including alarms with immobilisers or motion sensors. These act as a great deterrent for potential thieves who are likely to be aware of the increased risks. 

Use a tracking device

In the event your van does get stolen, having a GPS tracker fitted can help the police try to recover your vehicle. 

Mark your tools

Marking your tools can be a deterrent to thieves if your name or company is displayed. It will make them easily identifiable to police and may aid their recovery when thieves attempt to sell them on.

Check your insurance covers the contents of your van

Not all van insurance policies will cover tool theft as standard, so make sure you have insurance that protects everything you need it to – safeguarding your finances and helping you get back on your feet.

Quotezone helps van drivers compare and find savings on all sorts of van products, such as van insurance, van breakdown cover and van tool insurance.

References:

*https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/van-news/2022/12/02/van-theft-warning-on-run-up-to-christmas
**https://www.quotezone.co.uk/presszone/tool-theft-soars-57-as-van-drivers-urged-to-protect-livelihoods