Worrying video shows just how easy it is for thieves to break into your van

A video shared on Twitter shows a van being broken into using just a screwdriver and an adjustable spanner.

• Tool theft hotspots: data reveals worrying trends for tradespeople
• Tool theft could cost you over £1,000 – even before you replace your tools
• Hundreds of tradespeople stage van tool theft rally
• Is business insurance a legal requirement?

What does it take to break into a van?

With just a few cheap tools, thieves can break into vans and make off with the much more valuable ones inside.

3 Week old @FordService_UK Transit Please RT this for every Ford Transit owner. Update your locks asap #VansUnderAttack #ToolTheft pic.twitter.com/LWoT0nGmoV

— Vans Under Attack (@VansAttack) August 20, 2017

According to reports, Ford recalled the van soon after the video surfaced, but tradespeople claim to have had similar experiences with other makes and models, such as the VW Transporter.

Tool crime deserves time

The video was shared by @vansattack, who aim to raise awareness about the tool theft epidemic in the UK.

They’re currently supporting a petition that calls for tougher sentences for tool thieves. Those who’ve signed it claim the police have been ineffective in responding to reports of tool theft, and that having to pay for serious security measures places an unfair financial burden on tradespeople.

Keeping your livelihood safe

While tool theft remains such a problem in the UK, here are some steps you can take to help keep your tools – and your livelihood – safe:

• Park for prevention. If you can, park with your van’s sliding and rear doors against a wall or something else that prevents them from being accessed. Areas with lots of foot traffic, lighting, and CCTV cameras are best.
• Store tools sensibly. It’s much harder for tool thieves to make off with tools from your van if they aren’t in it. Where you can, bring your tools inside overnight, as home break ins are much less common.
• Mark your property. Should your tools be stolen, having identification marks on them will help make sure you’re recognised as the owner if they’re recovered.
• Keep a note of serial numbers and other data. Providing information like serial numbers, or at least an itemised list with the make and model of everything taken, will help police identify your tools if they’re found, as well as easing the process of making an insurance claim.
• Check your insurance. If you don’t have tools insurance as part of your business insurance policy, consider adding it in. It can help pay for the cost of replacing your tools if they’re stolen. You should also check your policy wording to find out exactly what’s covered, what the limits and excesses are, and if there are any conditions.

Have you had your van broken into? Let us know what happened in the comments.