Tool thefts in Lancashire costing £1.6m

Van drivers have been warned to take extra security measures after research showed cases of tool theft from vehicles increased by 57 per cent last year.

Research by van insurance comparison experts Quotezone.co.uk, analysing a sample of 100,000 van insurance policies, showed only 10 per cent of vans in the UK are locked in a garage overnight - raising concerns over van safety and the need for some additional measures to improve van security and deter thieves.

The most common motive behind van thefts is stealing expensive tools which attract thieves because of their high resale value.

According to Metropolitan Police data, there were 13,677 cases of tool theft from vehicles reported in the last year, March 2021 – March 2022, equating to 37 cases each day.

Following Northumbria and Kent, Lancashire has the third-highest number of police-reported cases of tool theft.

Area Total thefts per year Estimated cost of thefts

1. Northumbria: 1,398 total thefts per year; £2,082,954 estimated cost of thefts
2. Kent: 1,138; £1,695,567
3. Lancashire: 1,108; £1,650,868
4. Hertfordshire: 1,048; £1,561,471
5. Northern Ireland: 1,043; £1,554,021

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We urge anyone who carries tools in their vehicle to take them indoors and store them safely.

“Many insurance policies do not cover tools left in the van and it could cost hundreds in damage and excesses.

“Lock tools and small items of machinery in a secure building where possible and avoid leaving tools and accessories outside.

“Store machinery away from public roads and record the make and serial number of tools – ideally mark or stamp property with your postcode.”

Greg Wilson, founder and chief executive of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “With tool thefts on the rise, you can never be too careful when it comes to securing your van and its contents especially when it has the potential to affect your livelihood.

“Even if your vehicle comes with basic security systems and factory-fitted immobilisers and alarms, they may not cut it as modern thieves have been known to evade them with key fob cloning and blocking.

“That’s why it’s important to take some precautionary steps to keep the thieves away, even simple things like not leaving valuables in plain sight or in the van overnight, parking in a well-lit location and not drawing attention to the fact there may be tools inside the vehicle with external branding and logos.

"Adding decals and signage to a van, can increase your insurance premium for that very reason.

“To help prepare for the worst and make sure you can keep your business running in case of a theft, it’s important to double check that your tools are covered by your van insurance policy, they are not always included as standard.”

Here are eight tips to improve van security:

1. Plan your parking

With only 10 per cent of van drivers using a locked garage to store their van overnight, it’s important to pay attention to where and how you park, as this can have a huge impact on how vulnerable your van is to theft and the price you pay for your van insurance. A good rule of thumb if you don’t have a garage or a private driveway, is to park close to a wall, so the doors are inaccessible, make sure it’s a busy, well-lit area that’s covered by CCTV.

2. Invest in a high quality alarm

Quotezone.co.uk research found 84 per cent of van drivers rely on the standard manufacturer installed alarm and immobiliser. It’s always good to add extra protection. Savvy thieves can bypass the basic alarm systems and immobilisers, so it’s worth upgrading to the highest quality you can.

3. Use a GPS tracking device

Only 1 per cent of van drivers analysed used a tracker. A GPS tracker will make it easier to get the van back again in case it gets stolen. By installing a tracking device you can easily monitor the location of the van at all times and help the police recover the vehicle faster.

4. Use physical theft-prevention devices

Locks for your steering wheel, handbrake, gear stick and pedals are effective and affordable deterrents against theft. These visible blockers can stop thieves in their tracks and may even deter them from attempting to break in at all, most thieves are opportunists so if your van looks like a challenge, it may just help keep it safe.

5. Upgrade your locks

It’s useful to upgrade the standard factory-fitted locks, as many of them can be easily picked open. Deadlocks double the security of your van and are difficult to crack as they don’t have a spring mechanism. Slam locks are also a great safety measure as they automatically lock the van when you shut the doors.

6. Use a lockable tool box or vault

If you’re keeping expensive tools or equipment in your van then it’s worth investing in a built-in lockable tool box or vault which offers a secure storage option for your valuables – it could deter or delay the theft long enough to put off the thieves.

7. Remove valuables

The easiest option to prevent tools and equipment from being stolen from the van is to not leave them there to begin with. Although it may be a chore to remove valuables every time you leave the van, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Also marking your tools, keeping an itemised list of what you own and holding on to the receipts of the more expensive items can help in the claims process.

8. Make sure your insurance covers the contents of the van

Being a victim of van theft is devastating, especially if it means that you won’t be able to continue running your business. Getting insurance obviously won’t prevent the vehicle or valuables from being stolen, but it will help you get back on your feet after a theft, as it could protect you financially and help with replacements.