Van Theft To Double By 2030?

Van theft is sadly on the rise and doesn't look like it will stop anytime soon. It's been predicted that by 2030, van thefts will have doubled to over 20,000 thefts a year - a truly shocking statistic! 

The team at Rhino Trade Insurance offer various cover options, and today we want to discuss how best to keep your van and tools safe. Your last line of defence will be tool insurance, but try these tactics to divert any potential thieves. 

Store your tools safely.

It's not a surprise that when van break-ins occur, your valuable tools are one of the main targets. 

And we get it, after a long day on the tools, the last thing you need is to spend time lugging your tools into your house. But is it worth the risk of leaving them in your van when you could store them in a works unit, locked premises or your garage? 

Investing in a handful of good quality, transferable storage boxes could make this task all the more straightforward at the end of the day or, if you don’t fancy lugging your tools back between your van and your house, you could take out our Tools Insurance which covers you even if your tools are left in your vehicle overnight*.

Park in the most challenging spot

Whether you are on the job or at home, try to park your van in the most uninspiring position. We say uninspiring because if a potential thief comes sniffing around, we want them to be totally uninspired at the prospect of trying to break into your van. 

Consider these tactics when doing this. The most obvious would be to park your van in a locked garage or work unit. However, not everybody has one of these, so if parking on a driveway, try to reverse in so your back door is blocked. The same can be said of the side door; try to have it against a wall or fence. 

Utilise simple diversion tactics and install safety mod cons

Data suggests that by 2030, 56 vans a day may be stolen! This is an obscene amount considering the service all the hardworking tradesmen and women provide to society. 

To have peace of mind, consider fitting several safety devices to your vehicle:

• A 'no tools in van' sticker is a great place to start. 
• Next, invest in a vehicle alarm. There are a host of options these days. Try finding one that goes off if a sensor on the door handle is alarmed and alerts your mobile or smartwatch. 
• Install an immobiliser so that your brakes or steering automatically lock if your van is broken into. 

These are all preventative measures and can help save your vehicle and tools should you be targeted. You could even stretch this and opt to install CCTV and quality lighting systems at your property. 

Why Choose Rhino Trade Insurance?

Having your van or tools stolen must be a real headache and leave you feeling sick to your stomach. 

We empathise wholeheartedly with the hardworking tradespeople out there who suffer this ill fate. To cover yourself, Rhino can help you recoup your tools if they are even stolen with our Tool Insurance. 

If you want to find out more, ask for a quote or call our team at 0116 243 7904.

*Subject to conditions being met