How to keep tools safe: 10 top tips for tradespeople

Tool theft is on the rise and for tradespeople that can mean more than just a frustrating setback. Your tools are essential to your livelihood and replacing them could be costly or near-impossible – knowing how to keep your tools safe matters more than ever.

Whether you’re leaving gear in your van, storing it at home, or working on-site, a few simple steps could help protect your equipment and prevent tool theft before it happens.

The issue of tool theft – keeping your tools safe

How you keep tools protected ultimately depends on the nature of your work and where you live but we’ve got 10 top tips to get you started.

1. Remember the basics for preventing theft

If you want to keep your tools away from thieves, basic security measures are a good starting point.

• Make sure they’re out of sight and not on display for would-be thieves i.e. don’t leave them on your driver’s seat or in your van unattended.
• Don’t leave them somewhere easy to access for thieves. Make sure you lock all doors, windows and lockable tools boxes (both in your van and at home).

2. Keep van security in mind

Thefts from vans make up a large portion of reported tool thefts so, from security measures to where you park your van, you should always keep your van safe:

Avoid leaving tools in your van overnight

Vehicles can often be easier for thieves to break into so removing tools from your van overnight could significantly reduce the risk of tool theft.

Be careful where you park your van

Where you park could impact the chances of tools being stolen. Try to park vehicles close to home/work, in sight of security cameras and near a light source (especially when parked overnight/when it’s dark).

Install extra van security measures

Vans can face various threats like key fob hacking or lock drilling but extra prevention measures could reduce the risk. Suggestions might differ depending on your vehicle and how you use it, but generally include:

• Van door locks: Different types will offer various locking features, but options include hook- and slam-locks or upgraded deadlocks – you can hire a professional locksmith to help install them.
• Secure storage: Lockable toolboxes or van vaults are a secure built-in storage solution, typically featuring a reinforced structure and embedded locking system.
• Other protection measures: The presence of other measures like a steering lock and van stickers that indicate CCTV or “No tools left overnight” can deter thieves when parked up.

3. Assess your home security

Vehicles might be an easy target for tool theft, but your home can also be broken into. A few tips on how to keep tools safe include:

• Doors & windows: Check all doors and windows are secure and locked properly – don’t make it easier for thieves.
• Put tools away: Thieves can use anything left lying around to break in e.g. ladders, hammers and keys. Even your wheelie bin could make it easier to access windows or climb fences.
• Secure garages or outbuildings: Make sure garage or outbuilding doors are robust. Solutions like anchors to fix larger power tools to floors/walls or devices that fasten equipment together make tools harder to be stolen or used.

4. Install alarms and/or CCTV

Once you’ve worked out where you’re mostly likely to store your tools (or park your van), it’s worth installing alarms and/or CCTV. That applies to both your home and van – you can even get specific van alarms.

If a theft occurs, the video evidence can help police identify suspects and just the presence of them can deter potential thieves – and don’t underestimate the usefulness of a video doorbell!

5. Use tracking devices

More valuable tools are worth taking it up a notch! In the unfortunate event of theft, Bluetooth or GPS trackers can connect to smartphone apps and locate them, increasing the chances of recovery – the cost of tracking devices probably outweighs the cost to replace stolen tools.

6. Consider a tradesman insurance policy

You’ve likely got home, van or general business insurance, but does it cover your tools? It’s important to double check if it does, and that your policy covers the full value of your equipment.

There’s also specific tradesman insurance policies that might be better suited for your line of work.

You might wonder if the cost of insurance is worth it, but in reality your insurance premium might be negligible in the long run compared to the cost of replacing thousands of pounds worth of tools.

7. Look after your vehicles and storage

Make sure you’re aware of and follow best practices for maintaining the structural integrity of your van or storage solutions. It sounds obvious but a well-maintained vehicle or storage unit is likely to be more robust than one that isn’t looked after.

8. Make your mark

Marking all your tools can make them easily identifiable and help police return them to you if recovered after theft. Probably one of the easiest tips, all you need is a UV pen to mark them up with identifying information. Customisations like engravings or a custom paint job might also make them less attractive to thieves – it’s harder to sell goods that’ve been personalised!

9. Keep a log of your tools

If you don’t know what you’ve got, it makes it harder to know what’s stolen. Keeping a list of all the tools you own matters, including details like:

• Brands & models
• Serial numbers
• Photos
• Values
• Proof of purchases (invoices or receipts)

A log can help establish what equipment’s missing and identify recovered goods (especially by their serial numbers!). A record of tool values also helps check your insurance policy covers what you own and what you need to claim for (especially for ‘new for old’ replacements).

10. Stay alert

One of the best tools you’ve got (pun intended) against theft is your own wits. Metropolitan Police data suggests the most common time of day for tool thefts from vehicles/vans was 10am-1pm. Always be on the lookout for suspicious activity, especially on job sites. If you see any behaviour that raises an eyebrow, it’s probably worth reporting it to your site manager and to local authorities.

More about insurance

The top tips above are a good starting point to protect your livelihood and keep your tools safe. Prevention is always the best approach, but you can’t always completely guarantee protection against theft.

In the unfortunate event that you’re a victim of tool theft, insurance could help soften the blow. As insurance experts, we had a few more notes to add:

Check existing policies

Some might assume that their business, home or van insurance covers their tools but it’s always best to check your policy. If you’re unsure, contact your provider and ask.

Choosing a new policy

If you’re considering taking out a new policy that covers tools, look out for:

• The tools value covered is enough for your business
• What locations are covered (home, van, on site)
• If tools left in a van overnight are covered
• Any other exclusions or conditions

Exclusions and conditions are particularly important and could make some of the tips above ‘must dos’, not just suggestions.

For example, some policies won’t cover claims for theft where a vehicle/home is left unlocked, tools are stolen from an open vehicle cargo area, there’s no sign of forced entry, or the vehicle is deemed ‘unroadworthy’.

You might also need to demonstrate you’ve taken proper precautions to protect your property/goods.

Consider a combined policy

Managing a business is hard enough without juggling several policies across different providers. Some (like us), offer a combined tradesman insurance policy that includes multiple types of cover, and can even be tailored to fit your business model.

Our own Trades Insurance typically combines a Public Liability policy, Good and Tools cover and Employers’ Liability policy all in one place. Our Goods and Tools cover includes £2,500 of cover at no extra cost and claims paid out on tools stolen from your van overnight!

Plus, you can add additional cover like Contract Works, Hired in Plant, Owned Plant, and Professional Indemnity if you need it.

Get a quote for our Trades Insurance today via our online quote and buy. Or if you have any questions about the cover you need, you can contact us and speak to our in-house experts.