Pinner builders merchant gives tool theft advice following hard-hitting report

Following the publication of a shocking report indicating that four out of five people working in the trades sector have experienced tool theft at an average cost of £4,470 per tradesperson, leading independent builders’ dealer Grant & Stone, based in Pinner , Harrow, gave advice on what can be done to help protect expensive equipment.

The report was commissioned by the insurance company Simply Business and On The Tools. Simply Business has called on the government for stricter regulation on the sale of second-hand tools. A bill proposing a requirement for those selling used tools online to display serial numbers was introduced to the House of Commons in April 2021.

Gavin Welch, branch manager at Grant & Stone Builders Merchant in Pinner, said: “It may sound obvious, but builders, carpenters, roofers, plumbers and bricklayers can’t work without their tools. As the construction industry has by far the largest number of self-employed workers of any sector, being the victim of tool theft can cause a double whammy of a financial blow – tradesmen are unable to work, thus losing the money they need to earn to sell the tools. replace.

“Grant & Stone supports the work Simply Business is doing to improve regulation, but it has yet to come into effect. A dealer’s toolkit is expensive, so we wanted to help support our customers’ livelihoods by providing advice and highlighting some devices that can help protect against theft. It is particularly important that trades take action now to secure their equipment, as they will soon be shutting down for the festive season.”

The report indicated that only 1% of dealers recovered their stolen tools, so marking tools will help deter theft, make it harder for stolen equipment to be resold, and help reunite tools with their owners.

Gavin said: “The police suggest that the tools are marked with a house number and postcode using a UV pen, or by etching, engraving or using a specialist tool marking kit, which can last for five years. “

Adding additional deadbolts and padlocks to a van can act as a preventative measure as it makes it more difficult for criminals to gain access. Dead ends are extremely difficult to pick because they do not have springs in the locking mechanisms.

Another preventative measure is to install a lockable tool safe in a van. Tools can be locked in the safe, and since it is firmly bolted to the floor of the van, a criminal cannot simply carry the safe away.

The majority of insurance companies offer dedicated tool insurance specifically for tradesmen. Although the insurance does not stop the inconvenience of being a victim of theft, it does provide peace of mind that the value of a loss will be covered.

There are a number of van alarm systems on the market that can be retrofitted. In addition to providing an audible alarm when a van is broken into, many use tracking and smart technology to send alerts to cell phones.

It is wise to park a van in a well-lit area as this will act as a deterrent, and if possible use an area covered by CCTV. Traders can also use walls and fences to help prevent doors from being opened.

Gavin Welch concluded: “We all know that removing tools from a van overnight is the best way to protect it from thieves. However, thieves do not only target vans. The report indicated that one in 10 people had tools and equipment stolen from their homes and garages, so we also suggest being extra vigilant by adding locks and security wherever tools are stored when not in a bakkie is not kept.”