PAPERmaking! FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TECHNOLOGY Volume 5, Number 2, 2019
EIGHT TIPS TO PROTECT TOOLS IN VANS Tradespeople have been urged to fit their vans with CCTV and a safe to protect valuable tools and equipment from pesky thieves. Van experts from LeaseVan.co.uk have revealed eight security measures tradespeople can take against criminals in their work vehicles, if forced to leave tools or equipment in vans while working or overnight. From deadlocks and CCTV to deliberately parking badly and dirty vehicles, the specialist advice could help deter thefts and catch those responsible when a crime is committed. Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk said: “Wherever possible, it’s advisable to move expensive tools and equipment indoors for secure storage. But sometimes location and circumstances mean tradespeople have no other option than to leave items in thei r vans while they’re parked up on a job or overnight. While of course thieves remain responsible when items are stole, wise tradesmen and women should do whatever they can to avoid becoming a target or victim of crime. To help deter criminals and make a theft less likely to occur or be successful, we’ve identified some precautionary steps van owners could take.” Here is the LeaseVan.co.uk list of security measures tradesmen and women can take when storing tools or equipment in their commercial vehicles: 1. Intruder alarms Many Brits nowadays find standard vehicle alarms annoying and will be tempted to ignore them, so it’s worth considering installing a separate intruder alarm to discourage possible thieves. Guard valuable good by fitting a coded device that will trigger when your van is accessed by someone who doesn’t have permission. Some alarms available online can be controlled remotely, synced with your mobile phone and even include a tracker. 2. Tool vault boxes To give valuable tools and equipment an added layer of security, purchase a van vault box or safe to store them in. Requiring a key or combination to open, the range of high security options work in a similar way to a personal home safe, but often with tailored compartments for specific tools too. 3. Deadlocks Deadlocks can give vans enhanced defences against thieves by adding an extra and usually stronger locking point to cab and rear doors. They are operated independently to a vehicle’s standard, factory fitted locks, which allows the driver to control when each door is unlocked individually. 4. CCTV Most businesses will protect their premises with CCTV cameras that can help both deter and capture potential criminals, so why not their commercial vehicles too? Small, high quality devices can now be brought relatively cheaply online and one should be installed on both the inside and outside of vans, either permanently or temporarily while parked. Remember to display a clear warning sign too – this could make a thief turn away before the cameras are even called in to action. 5. Permanent tool marking Invisible anti-theft marking on your tools and equipment that requires ultra-violet light make them much easier to trace and their ownership indisputable, should they be stolen. Tradespeople could also choose to use clear and obvious tool markings, such as carving or laser-burning a name or logo into handles, to put off thieves before items are taken.
Article 16 – Driving Issues
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