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The reality for tradespeople today is that a van is more than just a vehicle, it’s a mobile workshop and often a tradesperson’s livelihood. Unfortunately, this means it can also be a high-value target.
While door locks are the first line of defence, a truly secure set-up relies on layered security, ensuring that even if the perimeter is breached, your tools are locked down.
The rising cost of tool theft
Industry data from On The Tools shows that tool theft from vehicles remains a significant challenge for the UK trade sector. With four out of five tradespeople experiencing tool theft (78%), it’s likely you know someone who has experienced this. Out of those surveyed, On The Tools’ research also revealed that:
- One in five (17%) tradespeople lose over £5000 worth of tools to theft.
- Tool theft mostly affects the self-employed, with them being 38% more likely to be targeted.
- Equipment is most likely to be stolen from vans parked outside of their home (39%).
- One in ten (9%) tradespeople experienced equipment stolen from inside the home or garage.
Replacing a stolen drill is frustrating, but the financial fallout of a break-in often triggers a chain reaction that hits your bottom line harder than the theft itself. According to industry research from On The Tools, the “hidden costs” are what truly sideline a business.
With a mere 1% recovery rate for stolen tools, relying on getting them back isn’t something you can count on. Instead, the goal has to be prevention through layered security.
If a thief manages to get inside the van, they should be met with further high-security barriers that they simply don’t have the time or equipment to bypass.
Solutions for internal van security
Securing your tools within the vehicle is one of the most effective ways to prevent a ‘smash and grab.’
For everyday toolboxes, internal lockers and cargo cages, our CP40 padlock is an ideal solution. The CP40 features a die-cast alloy body and a hardened steel shackle, and its four-wheel combination offering 10,000 code variations means no keys to lose, providing a reliable secondary layer of defence for individual tool kits.
For heavy duty chests and site boxes we recommend the CP50ATLO padlock. The CP50ATLO is part of our All Terrain lock range, offering enhanced security for environments subject to high water and dirt levels. The padlock is salt spray tested for over 312 hours, making it perfect for damp environments such as work sites, with a protective cover to prevent dirt and moisture ingress, keeping the internal mechanisms in top working condition in all weathers. A rustproof hardened steel shackle with anti-corrosion finish offers protection, while the rubberised grip makes it easy to operate when wearing gloves.
For maximum security for large assets, such as storage containers, heavy-duty van vaults or door shutters, we recommend the WS75S padlock. The WS75S is a CEN4 rated container padlock with an 80mm solid hardened steel body and a 12mm boron alloy steel sliding shackle. Because the WS75S is a ‘shutter’ or ‘block’ lock, the sliding pin design minimises the exposed area, making them more resistant to bolt cutters or saws.
Simple solutions to deter theft
You’ve worked hard to build your toolkit - don’t let 10 minutes of convenience cost you thousands in replacements and lost work. Some additional steps to protect your tools could include:
- Locking your internal tool chests every time - even if you’re leaving the van for five minutes.
- When stopping at a shop, park in high-footfall areas, ideally under CCTV cameras.
- Marking your tools with permanent markers and taking note of the serial numbers. Companies such as Datatag provide professional kits that add layers of identification to your belongings, so that if your items are stolen, you can prove they’re yours much more easily.
When you’re looking for security, you’ll see terms like CEN grades, LPCB certifications and anti-pick or anti-bump technology. Knowing exactly what these terms mean is important when choosing the right level of protection for your business. Read our blog decoding common padlock terms here.
At Squire, we offer a host of security solutions for a range of different uses. Discover our general security, bike and motorcycle security on our website.
