Van and tools theft is spiking in the UK
Tool theft is growing in the UK with the statistics indicating that 98% of businesses are highly concerned about stolen tools and vans. Van thefts have tripled in recent years and as an estimate, a van is broken into every 23 minutes. We've heard plenty of stories from our customers of tools being stolen from the back of their van and you can only imagine the effect it has had on them, especially for sole traders and small businesses relying on a van for their job. Stolen tools or damaged vans in most cases mean days or even weeks of missed work.
Don't become a victim
Your insurance will cover your costs if you're a victim to vehicle or equipment theft, but why would you have to deal with all this hassle to replace the van or tools when you can prevent it being stolen in a first place? Vehicle security should be the top priority especially when it comes to commercial vehicles because they are a lifeblood of the business. Thieves always look for the simplest way to get to your van and tools so don't make stealing from you easy for them. There is a big chance that having realised that your van is too difficult to break into they might move on.
Our 10 top tips for keeping your van and tools safe
1. Prioritise security when choosing your van leasing deal
When you are looking for a van to lease, there is a lot to consider and while there are a lot of options that you need to look into, not many put the vehicle security on their priority list. Most modern vans that we have on our van leasing offer come with a good range of security features but make sure that the van you're looking to lease has the right kit. Not every van comes with every security feature and sometimes you'll need to add the ones that you want in your vehicle as an extra or go for a higher trim. The standard security we advise that you request for your van is an alarm and immobiliser, while deadlocks and separate locking systems for the cabin and cargo area are also highly recommended.
Think about the configuration of your new van. While the glazed rear door is useful for visibility they allow everybody to see what's inside the van, and hence can be a risk for your vehicle's security. Most of our van leasing deals come with a double rear door as standard so consider if you really need to access the load area from both sides before adding the extra side door. Many of our commercial panel vans also have a solid bulkhead separating the cab from the load which keeps everything out of sight, however, double-check what vans are available and if it comes with this feature as some lower-trim models and crew vans have steel mesh bulkheads or even tough plastic in some cases.
2. Modify the van deal to your needs
Did you know you can add a few things to your business van lease to boost your vehicle's security? There are a number of physical security extras for commercial vehicles to suit different business needs. Lockable toolboxes for expensive equipment, upgraded deadlocks or slam locks for doors will make it harder for the thieves to steal your tools, while steering lock or pedal box protectors will help make your van more difficult to drive away.