Crime Prevention Advice
Welcome to the Tell TVL community crime prevention page.
Click the tiles to read more about each section. The information provided on this page is sourced from the NBCC (Natonal Business Crime Centre). To view more information, go to their website: https://nbcc.police.uk/
For additional crime prevention advice please also visit the Secure By Design website: https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/vehicle-crime/vans-tool-theft
Upgrade Physical Security
Lock Doors and Shut Windows
Internal Security Solutions
Upgrade Physical Security
Upgrading locks and alarm systems will provide your vehicle and tools with additional security. Installing a secondary alarm, which is not controlled by the central locking mechanism should be used, as they cannot be disarmed by thieves accessing the control panel on the van, or using a ‘stolen’ central locking signal.
If your dealer notifies you of vehicle security upgrades, ensure you install them. If you store tools in a shed or garage, make sure it is locked and alarmed. Installing Window Grilles, Blanks and Bulkheads prevents thieves from seeing what is inside your vehicle. A window Grille will prevent access if the window has been smashed.
Lock Doors and Shut Windows
Half of all thefts from vehicles are committed when vehicles are left unlocked.
Physically go round your vehicle before you leave checking each door is locked and each window is fully closed. If you know the locking system is faulty, get it repaired immediately.
If your door fails to lock when you operate the key fob, it is possible that someone is using a signal jammer and is blocking the signal. Do not leave the vehicle until you are certain it is secure.
Internal Security Solutions
Do not store tools in your vehicle overnight. Remove expensive items when not in use. If thieves find that vehicles do not contain valuable items, the incentive to break in diminishes.
If it is not possible to empty your vehicle, investing in an internal secure storage box with an integrated lock that is secured to your vehicle, will help keep tools and valuable items safe and hidden.
Thieves are attracted to items on show, even old coats and rucksacks will attract attention as the thief may believe they contain cash, phones or other valuables.
Wherever possible DO NOT leave any items on display.
Secure External Equipment
Mark all tools with a property marking kit
Register your tools for free at www.immobilise.com
Secure External Equipment
Ladders are a target for thieves and are often stolen from the roof of vans. Investing in a set of lockable ladder clamps will secure the ladders making them less appealing to thieves.
Remove copper piping from storage tubes on your vehicle. Copper piping is regularly stolen from the roofs of vans. Remember to remove the piping before leaving your vehicle and to use a secure storage tube during transit where possible.
To increase the security of tools you can bolt either a cage or box to the base of your vehicle, which should be secured with a sturdy close shackle padlock.SE
Mark all tools with a property marking kit
Upgrading locks and alarm systems will provide your vehicle and tools with additional security. Installing a secondary alarm, which is not controlled by the central locking mechanism should be used, as they cannot be disarmed by thieves accessing the control panel on the van, or using a ‘stolen’ central locking signal.
If your dealer notifies you of vehicle security upgrades, ensure you install them. If you store tools in a shed or garage, make sure it is locked and alarmed. Installing Window Grilles, Blanks and Bulkheads prevents thieves from seeing what is inside your vehicle. A window Grille will prevent access if the window has been smashed.
Register your tools for free at www.immobilise.com
Immobilise is a free property registering service to which the police have full access.
Second hand traders and members of the public can access the sister site Checkmend for a small fee to determine the status of an item prior to purchase.
Registering your tools on Immobilise makes it more difficult for thieves to sell the items on, assists you will get them back if recovered by police and provides you with an electronic inventory of the serial numbers, make and model of your tools.
Some manufacturers will allow you to register your tools with them and this again provides an electronic inventory.
Parking your vehicle
CCTV, street lighting and high footfall areas
Set your alarm/immobiliser and act if you hear it sounding
Parking your vehicle
Parking your vehicle in a locked garage or compound adds a further layer of security.
Not only does this hide your vehicle from view but it can increase the risk of a thief being caught as it takes longer to gain access to the vehicle and there is the risk of an alarm sounding on the garage or compound, as well as the vehicle.
CCTV, street lighting and high footfall areas
CCTV can act as a deterrent to some criminals. It can also assist in the detection of crime, especially if used in conjunction with other security measures.
If you are parking at a hotel whilst working as a contractor, use car park/hotel premises approved under the Park Mark scheme, wherever possible. Where this is not possible park in areas covered by CCTV cameras. Consider having your own system installed at home or where you routinely park your vehicle.
If you are unable to park in an area covered by CCTV, park in a visible location where there are lots of people or where there is good street lighting. Thieves do not want to be seen whilst breaking in to vehicles.
Set your alarm / immobiliser and act if you hear it sounding
Double locking your vehicle should activate the immobiliser and alarm system. If you hear an alarm sounding, investigate the cause, without putting yourself at risk.
Thieves will sometimes activate an alarm to test the reaction and if there is none they may return to steal items.
Be aware when un-loading tools/materials from your van
Always report crime to the police
Be aware when unloading tools/materials from your van
Tool thefts often occur when vehicles are left insecure during loading or unloading of tools and materials. Whilst it may take a little longer, it is less inconvenient to secure the vehicle each time you leave it than return to find that items have been stolen. Don’t let your guard down even when visiting builders merchants or stopping for lunch. Always lock up!
Always check your vehicle/tools before heading off to a work/site. Forensic opportunities will be lost if a vehicle is moved and the contents touched.
Always check your vehicle before you leave and call police immediately if you suspect a break in has occurred and/or items have been stolen.
Always report Crime to the Police
Always report crime to police. This allows police to capture the data and understand the full scale of the crime, which in turn informs their resources and tactics to tackle it. When a crime is taking place, dial 999 in an emergency. You can also report to the Police on 101 or alternatively, you can report online at: www.police.uk Police recommended security products can be found at: www.securedbydesign.com Register your tools for free at: www.immobilise.com For more information on vehicle security visit: www.builderstalkgroup.com/van-talk-group Or email info@builderstalkgroup.comCrime Prevention Advice
Welcome to the Tell TVL community crime prevention page.
Click the tiles to read more about each section. The information provided on this page is sourced from the NBCC (Natonal Business Crime Centre). To view more information, go to their website: https://nbcc.police.uk/
Upgrade Physical Security
Upgrade Physical Security
Upgrading locks and alarm systems will provide your vehicle and tools with additional security. Installing a secondary alarm, which is not controlled by the central locking mechanism should be used, as they cannot be disarmed by thieves accessing the control panel on the van, or using a ‘stolen’ central locking signal.
If your dealer notifies you of vehicle security upgrades, ensure you install them. If you store tools in a shed or garage, make sure it is locked and alarmed. Installing Window Grilles, Blanks and Bulkheads prevents thieves from seeing what is inside your vehicle. A window Grille will prevent access if the window has been smashed.
Lock Doors and Shut Windows
Lock Doors and Shut Windows
Half of all thefts from vehicles are committed when vehicles are left unlocked.
Physically go round your vehicle before you leave checking each door is locked and each window is fully closed. If you know the locking system is faulty, get it repaired immediately.
If your door fails to lock when you operate the key fob, it is possible that someone is using a signal jammer and is blocking the signal. Do not leave the vehicle until you are certain it is secure.
Internal Security Solutions
Internal Security Solutions
Do not store tools in your vehicle overnight. Remove expensive items when not in use. If thieves find that vehicles do not contain valuable items, the incentive to break in diminishes.
If it is not possible to empty your vehicle, investing in an internal secure storage box with an integrated lock that is secured to your vehicle, will help keep tools and valuable items safe and hidden.
Thieves are attracted to items on show, even old coats and rucksacks will attract attention as the thief may believe they contain cash, phones or other valuables.
Wherever possible DO NOT leave any items on display.
External Security Solutions
External Security Solutions
Ladders are a target for thieves and are often stolen from the roof of vans. Investing in a set of lockable ladder clamps will secure the ladders making them less appealing to thieves.
Remove copper piping from storage tubes on your vehicle. Copper piping is regularly stolen from the roofs of vans. Remember to remove the piping before leaving your vehicle and to use a secure storage tube during transit where possible.
To increase the security of tools you can bolt either a cage or box to the base of your vehicle, which should be secured with a sturdy close shackle padlock.
Mark all tools with a property marking kit
Mark all tools with a property marking kit
Upgrading locks and alarm systems will provide your vehicle and tools with additional security. Installing a secondary alarm, which is not controlled by the central locking mechanism should be used, as they cannot be disarmed by thieves accessing the control panel on the van, or using a ‘stolen’ central locking signal.
If your dealer notifies you of vehicle security upgrades, ensure you install them. If you store tools in a shed or garage, make sure it is locked and alarmed. Installing Window Grilles, Blanks and Bulkheads prevents thieves from seeing what is inside your vehicle. A window Grille will prevent access if the window has been smashed.
Register your tools for free at www.immobilise.com
Register your tools for free at www.immobilise.com
Immobilise is a free property registering service to which the police have full access.
Second hand traders and members of the public can access the sister site Checkmend for a small fee to determine the status of an item prior to purchase.
Registering your tools on Immobilise makes it more difficult for thieves to sell the items on, assists you will get them back if recovered by police and provides you with an electronic inventory of the serial numbers, make and model of your tools.
Some manufacturers will allow you to register your tools with them and this again provides an electronic inventory.
Parking your vehicle
Parking your vehicle
Parking your vehicle in a locked garage or compound adds a further layer of security.
Not only does this hide your vehicle from view but it can increase the risk of a thief being caught as it takes longer to gain access to the vehicle and there is the risk of an alarm sounding on the garage or compound, as well as the vehicle.
CCTV, street lighting and high footfall areas
CCTV, street lighting and high footfall areas
CCTV can act as a deterrent to some criminals. It can also assist in the detection of crime, especially if used in conjunction with other security measures.
If you are parking at a hotel whilst working as a contractor, use car park/hotel premises approved under the Park Mark scheme, wherever possible. Where this is not possible park in areas covered by CCTV cameras. Consider having your own system installed at home or where you routinely park your vehicle.
If you are unable to park in an area covered by CCTV, park in a visible location where there are lots of people or where there is good street lighting. Thieves do not want to be seen whilst breaking in to vehicles.
Set your alarm/immobiliser and act if you hear it sounding
Set your alarm / immobiliser and act if you hear it sounding
Double locking your vehicle should activate the immobiliser and alarm system. If you hear an alarm sounding, investigate the cause, without putting yourself at risk.
Thieves will sometimes activate an alarm to test the reaction and if there is none they may return to steal items.
Be aware when un-loading tools/materials from your van
Be aware when unloading tools/materials from your van
Tool thefts often occur when vehicles are left insecure during loading or unloading of tools and materials. Whilst it may take a little longer, it is less inconvenient to secure the vehicle each time you leave it than return to find that items have been stolen. Don’t let your guard down even when visiting builders merchants or stopping for lunch. Always lock up!
Always check your vehicle/tools before heading off to a work/site. Forensic opportunities will be lost if a vehicle is moved and the contents touched.
Always check your vehicle before you leave and call police immediately if you suspect a break in has occurred and/or items have been stolen.
Always report crime to the police
Always report Crime to the Police
Always report crime to police. This allows police to capture the data and understand the full scale of the crime, which in turn informs their resources and tactics to tackle it. When a crime is taking place, dial 999 in an emergency.
You can also report to the Police on 101 or alternatively, you can report online at: www.police.uk
Police recommended security products can be found at: www.securedbydesign.com
Register your tools for free at: www.immobilise.com
For more information on vehicle security visit: www.builderstalkgroup.com/van-talk-group
Or email info@builderstalkgroup.com
