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Practical Steps to
Prevent Tool Theft
All crimes have an impact, but tool thefts from vans can
be particularly sickening. It’s far more than the loss of
equipment – although that is bad enough – it’s the fact
that losing equipment causes such damage to a business.
No tools, no work. No work, no customers. With a good
reputation essential in the trade, saying you can’t turn up
on an agreed date because you’ve had your kit nicked
sounds like a convenient excuse. The truth is you could be
thousands of pounds out of pocket and struggling to survive.
» » STATISTICS ON TOOL THEFTS ARE
frightening. Research from the
Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
reveals that 51% of builders have
suffered. 46% have had the side panel or
van doors broken or prised open. 22%
have lost their tools because the van’s
existing lock has been picked.
PRACTICAL STEPS
FMB Chief Executive Brian Berry
recommends builders focus on
prevention, bringing tools indoors at
night, if possible, and installing extra
locks on the van. But, of course, adding
extra locks should always inconvenience
the thieves and not the legitimate
tradesman. A solution newly available
in the UK is an auxiliary lock named
Vanlock. It’s a Czech product developed
by security experts Tokoz® in response
to what is clearly a Europe-wide issue.
Vanlock boasts an impressive
combination of robust practicality and
high security. It can be retrofitted to
almost any rear or sliding vehicle door.
It has a dual slam-latching and locking
action, which means the driver isn’t
constantly fumbling for keys or risking
things by leaving the vehicle unlocked
‘for a minute’, and with an eye on safety,
the developers have ensured that the
slam-locking technology is backed up by
an internal emergency escape toggle.
Vanlock is purpose made. It’s strong
and corrosion resistant with stainless
steel components and a Makrolon®
cylinder cover and is available in black
or white, which will suit most vehicle
livery or fleet colour schemes. Even
better news for anyone running a fleet,
operating from various sites or with
varying security levels – Vanlock can be
part of a master-key system. By choosing
a high-security euro-cylinder lock you
can be sure the lock can’t be picked,
snapped, drilled, bumped or pulled.
DON’T BE A VICTIM
While van owners, tradesmen and their
trade bodies will keep calling on the
police and prosecutors to take stronger
measures to protect their interests, the
likelihood is that tool thefts will continue.
Platforms like eBay and Gumtree are
an easy way to shift the loot and quality
tools are sold for a fraction of their true
value. Tradesmen can continue to be
victims but increasingly they’re ready to
take measures to protect their assets.
Vanlock is tough, secure and practical
and looks like one of the simplest ways
we’ve seen to enhance a vehicle’s
protection.
The new Tokoz® Vanlock is available
in the UK exclusively from security
experts Access2. To find out more
call +44 (0) 191 215 0530.
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL.CO.UK | NOV/DEC 2018
Sponsored by ABUS