Security Warning for Tradespeople as Clocks Go Back

TRADESPEOPLE are being urged to tighten security measures to avoid becoming victims of theft as criminals look to use the upcoming earlier cover of darkness to steal from sites.

With the clocks going back on Sunday 26 October, NFU Mutual has highlighted the risks that can come with dark winter nights and fewer people about.

Security Warning

Research earlier this year from the commercial insurer revealed nearly three-quarters of tradespeople had been a victim of theft in the last year and, of those, almost one in two victims had been targeted more than once in the same timeframe.

It is an issue that is front-of-mind for tradespeople across the UK, with the biggest concern among those surveyed being the cost of replacing stolen equipment (41%), with becoming a victim of theft or repeat theft next on the list (37%).

Thieves can use the cover of darkness to go undetected at sites or on driveways, prompting advice from NFU Mutual.

Zoe Knight, Head of Commercial at NFU Mutual, said: “Theft of tradespeople’s tools or equipment continues to hit the industry hard and the fact nearly three-quarters of those surveyed said they had been victim in the last 12 months speaks volumes.

“It’s therefore even more important as the nights draw in and darkness arrives earlier for tradespeople to do all they can to reduce the risk – whether that be via security measures or recording serial numbers of equipment, there are steps that can be taken to prevent being hit by crime.

“Workers rely on their equipment for their income and livelihood so theft not only will hit their pocket, but it will also have a negative impact on their life. It’s important to follow the below steps all year round, but especially in the coming months.”

Tighten Your Security Measures

NFU Mutual is sharing the following advice to tradespeople:

• Minimise storage of tools and equipment in vans: a robust, lockable building is preferable. Consider intruder alarms for high value equipment.
• If you have to leave tools and equipment in a van, make sure it’s alarmed and, as a minimum, park against a wall so that doors cannot be opened easily.
• Don’t make it easy for thieves to guess that equipment is kept inside (a van or a building) e.g. by leaving items on display and leaving tools around which may assist an intruder.
• Store portable items within a robust, lockable store that is fixed in place.
• Restrict and control vehicular access to the work site.
• Consider video security system (temporary systems and temporary intruder alarm systems are available for site use).
• Security mark your tools and equipment (e.g. forensic, engraving or permanent marking) to deter thieves and aid recovery.
• Don’t stockpile high value materials such as lead and copper or leave them around for longer than necessary.
• For construction vehicles use CESAR marking, tracking and immobilisation to prevent and trace thieves.
• Check all locks and security measures before leaving any site e.g. alarms switched on, cameras facing the right direction and security lights working

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