Colm Lalor, a commercial director at nuie, has shared six tips on how to prevent tool theft this winter.
- Store tools indoors
Colm said: “While it can be a pain to empty the van each night, having tools stored securely within the home can be the safest place to house your valuable goods. When the workday is done, taking the extra 10 minutes to bring in those high-value tools can help keep your equipment safe from thieves.”
- Create noise with a gravel driveway
He continued: “Gravel pathways or driveways are a smart theft deterrent as the loud crunching noise they produce makes it much hard for an intruder to steal in peace. Making the swap to a gravel driveway will come at a cost but it makes for a long-term solution and allows you to park at home comfortably.”
- Equip home protection
Colm added: “Ring doorbells, CCTV cameras or even sensor-motioned lights are all designed to deter thieves away. Those looking to take from vans are aiming for easy targets where they are less likely to be spotted so where possible, installing protective measures can help protect your vehicle from being a prime target.”
- Get fun with decoy stickers
He said: “Consider using creative van decals such as fake advertisements or displays that give off the impression there is nothing of value inside. Opting for a magnetic sticker such as Pest Control gives off an unappealing message, making your van a bit less attractive to thieves. Not only will this likely reduce the risk of a break-in, but it can also add a touch of humour in the doing and magnetic stickers can easily be removed by you in the morning.”
- Park somewhere safe, and strategically
Colm stated: “Parking with the van doors backing onto a wall or garage can make it challenging for thieves to break-in. When parking on the street, avoid somewhere that is dark and secluded, and instead aim for somewhere well-lit and if possible, with CCTV visible, again all in the hopes to turn thieves away. This small change in where you park can make all the difference when protecting your tools and your van.”
- Add an extra layer of protection
He concluded: “Even if a thief finds their way in, an extra layer of security can be a game-changer as it’s usually when they admit defeat due to having another hurdle to overcome. Whether it’s tools, equipment, or other essentials, storing them in an ultra-secure toolbox is designed to protect what matters most. After all, a little extra security can mean the difference between putting your tools at risk and peace of mind.”