Why new locks and the best van alarm system will prevent theft and save you money
A big part of our business here at CVA is supplying and fitting new locks for vans in Leicester and the midlands. As well as upgrading the vehicles alarm systems. In one way it’s unfortunate. So many local tradesmen in Leicester and beyond are seeing their vehicles broken into and valuable tools and equipment stolen. Unfortunately, it’s often the case that you don’t think about a van’s security until it’s too late.
And that’s a real issue as there is a real epidemic of thefts from vans. Not just in Leicester of course. But right across the UK. This type of crime has risen by two thirds in the last two years. Thieves find work vans an easy target. And there is a growing market for stolen tools and equipment.
Official figures back this up. In fact, the police statistics make grim reading. A van is broken into every 23 minutes. That’s a shocking statistic. Let’s put that into numbers. There were 22,749 thefts from vans during the year 2016/17. It’s fair to assume even those horrendous figures have increased since then.
Most of these crimes aren’t committed by the local sneak thief looking for some quick cash for a drink or fix. Sophisticated thieves are targeting more and more vans. They often steal to order. And no amount of ‘no tools left overnight’ stickers will deter them.
You need to fight back. To make things as difficult as possible for thieves. You must have a van alarm system fitted along with the best security locks.
The consequences of theft
Theft of tools from a van can be a blow a contractor can’t recover from. It’s devastating. But once it’s happened there’s very little you can do. The hope of recovering your tools is slim to none.
Sadly, the overstretched police won’t be too much help. It’s likely the most you receive will be a crime number. They almost certainly won’t even bother to visit you. And whilst this isn’t acceptable it’s a sign of the times. The police just don’t have the resources to investigate what they see as ‘petty’ crime.
Of course, to you there’s nothing petty about it. Losing your tools will have a huge impact on your ability to work. Theft can be hard enough for the big companies to deal with. For smaller traders and independent contractors, it can be devastating. Theft of tools from a van can literally mean the loss of a livelihood.
When that thief runs off with the tools you’ve worked hard to pay for, they are digging a financial hole you’ll find difficult to climb out of.
Not just the loss of tools
The first problem you have is replacing the tools. It’s unlikely you’ll see them again. As we’ve already mentioned it’s highly unlikely the police will find them for you. Yes, you can check out social media and eBay in an effort to recover your tools. You may be lucky if it was an opportunistic theft. But most thieves who target tools and equipment have a distribution network which sees your gear quickly disappearing forever.
But it isn’t only the immediate problem of replacing your tools you’ll face. It’s likely there will be damage to the van. You’ll have to get this repaired. Depending on the type and extent of the damage your vehicle could be off the road for days. This is more expense you can do without. Not to mention the loss of earnings from jobs you won’t be able to get to.
But the financial implications don’t end there. You’ll have to make an insurance claim to replace the lost tools and probably for the repairs to your vehicle. This will result in more expensive premiums the next time you renew your insurance.
Add in the money lost in not being able to work for anything from a few hours to a few days and a theft from your van can leave you massively out of pocket.
A preventable problem
CVA director Michael Brooks said:
“I’ve seen it so many times. You’ve spent a lifetime gathering those tools together. But overnight they’re gone. It’s horrendous and the consequences can be awful. Yet some simple improvements to security will prevent many thefts.
“It doesn’t make sense to spend a lot of money on a van not to mention hundreds or thousands of pounds on tools and leave them unprotected. Upgrading the alarms and new locks for vans can prevent thefts. The best security locks for vans will deter thieves and save you money on replacing tools. And you won’t have to make insurance claims which will in turn mean increased premiums.
“At CVA we can fit your van with the most effective anti-theft locks. As well as the best van alarm system. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Just give us a call and we’ll be happy to talk you through your options. Best of all we’ll give you a quote for supplying and fitting the locks you’ll be more than happy with. And it’ll save you money in the long run.”
Protect your van and tools with the best van locks from CVA. For more information or an unbeatable quote call us on 01455 372 007. Or you can contact us here by email.
CVA are based in Leicester but serve the whole of the midlands.