Top tips for storing your motor trade tools safely

As a motor trader, you rely on your tools to do your job. So if they get stolen, it can cause real problems – from the costs of replacement, to missing out on work while you wait for your new ones. Times are hard enough right now without having to deal with that kind of disruption.

The problem is that tools are easy targets for thieves. In fact, it’s thought that tool theft in the UK causes tradespeople around £2.8 billion! So how can you keep your tools as safe as possible? We’ve jotted down a few tips.

Plan for your van

If you use a van for your trade, then it’s probable you’ll carry tools around with you. Recovery operators, mobile mechanics, SMART repairers – all these types of trades rely on taking tools out to your customers, so it’s important you know how to protect your van as much as possible while you do your job.

Luckily, there are some simple measures you can take that will minimise the risk of your van getting robbed:

• Always double check windows are closed and your van is locked when you leave it – even if just for a few minutes
• When parking your van, try to position it to make it harder to get in to, e.g. with main doors close to a wall or railings
• Try to park your van in a well-lit area, ideally with CCTV nearby
• Advertise the fact you don’t keep tools in your van overnight – you can buy a sticker to put on the back which may be enough to stop a thief trying their luck.

Invest in extra security measures

Just locking your van might not be enough to keep it fully secure, so there are plenty of security solutions available to make your van that little bit safer at a range of price points:

• Good alarm systems can add an extra layer of security to your van and deter thieves – keeping your tools that little bit safer – and you can always upgrade the standard alarm your van already has with something more specialist, for example a smart security system.
• Windows are always a vulnerable part of any vehicle, so consider adding a tint to the glass so thieves can’t see inside, while adding grills means anyone will struggle to get in.
• Install built-in storage with secure locks, so even if someone did get inside your van, they’d still struggle to take your tools. There are a range of options on the market for this kind of secure storage – from padlocks to specialist locking devices – plus they help you stay more organised too.

Stay organised

It sounds simple, but putting your tools away in the right places and not leaving them lying around can make all the difference. A messy van will be easier for thieves to raid, while keeping organised will help you notice faster if anything is missing.

At the end of the day, take a few extra minutes to organise your van and lock up anything that you keep in the van overnight in secure storage units. Your most valuable tools should be taken inside with you, whether that’s a premises like a garage or your own home. Keeping them in locked storage in a building will always be safer than keeping them in your van.

Sort out your motor trade insurance

With the best will in the world, no van is perfectly safe and tool theft is really common. So make sure you protect yourself with the right motor trade insurance. At DNA, we’re all about finding you the best possible cover for your motor trade at the best price we can find. We offer straight-talking service and experience across every type of motor trade, so we can give the right advice.

From mechanic insurance to van insurance, we can find you the specialist cover you need to keep your van safe, your tools protected and your business running smoothly. So give us a bell on 01708 988952 or head to our website to find out more.