If we had to bet on how many tradespeople in the UK relied on their work van for their trade, we'd be certain it would be almost 100%.
There are a few professions out there where you can pack up all your tools and travel wherever you need to be to work. That's one of the major perks of being a tradesperson.
However, as with everything in life, there are risks associated with every job. Unfortunately, pesky thieves target the hardworking tradesmen and women of the UK, and we are here to share the most common ways they break into your van and how you can get covered.
Door left unlocked
Figures collected from Toolstation found that the most common way criminals entered a work van was down to the door being left unlocked.
Sadly, this is inviting trouble, as data found almost half of thefts were due to unlocked doors.
Taking simple precautions and ensuring you lock your van could save you a significant headache. It's worth remembering thefts don't always happen overnight or when it's dark. They occur during the week and even in broad daylight.
Breaking the window
The second most common way of breaking and entering trade vehicles included breaking the window. 19% of all van break-ins resulted from the window being smashed.
The report from Toolstation recommends never leaving any of your tools or possessions in the line of sight, as offenders will try their luck if they see something they want.
Forcing the locks open
Of all break-ins, locks being forced open totalled 12%. Consider installing a sensor on your door handles to avoid this happening to your van.
This is a nifty piece of technology that sets off an alarm and notifies you on your phone or smartwatch the moment anyone brushes your door handle.
Peeling the door off
Although door peeling was a low figure of around 1% of all break-ins, it doesn't mean you should drop your guard.
This is a straightforward way that thieves break into your van, as they simply pull back from the door seal to reveal anything that's inside.
You can avoid this by removing all tools from your van overnight, showing a 'no tools stored in van' sticker to deter them and considering utilising CCTV in your home or work unit.
As you can see, vehicle break-ins and tool thefts are common amongst UK tradespeople so why not protect you and your business by taking out Tool Insurance with Rhino? Along with Public Liability Insurance, Tools Insurance is one of our most popular policies.
At Rhino Trade Insurance, our policies protect your tools whether they are lost, damaged or stolen and are covered when 'in transit', 'in a parked vehicle' or 'whilst loading'. It is also covered for storage overnight, subject to conditions being met.
Why not find out more from our team based in Leicester: 0116 243 7904 or grab yourself a quote online?
In this guide, we'll delve into the risks shopfitters face, explore the types of insurance that can offer protection and explain why many shopfitters trust Rhino Trade Insurance with their business needs.
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