Leasing Options advises trades to be wary of summer van tool theft

AS temperatures rise across the nation, van owners are being encouraged to be hyper-aware of leaving vehicles unattended with windows and roofs down.

This comes as over 12,414 tool thefts were reported from a vehicle in 2024, which stands at almost half (49%) of overall tool theft in the UK according to a study by Direct Line business insurance.

Mike Thompson, COO at Leasing Options has shared insight around how to combat theft from vans over the summer period, echoing that any theft should be reported immediately to alleviate further costs from break-in damage:

“As the UK faces rising temperatures this summer, van owners should be on high alert for opportunistic thieves. This surge typically peaks during the warmer months, when longer daylight hours and increased activity may mean more vans are left unattended with windows and roofs open.

“According to recent data in 2024 alone, over 25,500 tool thefts were recorded, with almost half involving tools stolen directly from vans. The consequences are serious, not only do stolen tools represent more than £40 million in lost equipment, but there’s also an estimated £16 million in business disruption and missed earnings. For many van owners, particularly self-employed tradespeople, this kind of theft can have a devastating impact”.

“During heatwaves, it’s easy to become complacent, leaving windows cracked for ventilation or failing to lock doors during quick stops, but this is exactly when opportunistic thieves strike. Taking simple steps like securing tools out of sight, using secondary locks or tracking devices, and parking in well-lit areas can minimise any potential risks to thieves.”

Mike Thompson, COO at Leasing Options Tweet

He added: “If a theft does occur and your van is damaged in the process, it’s vital to act quickly and report the incident to the police and your insurer without delay. This can help recoup any costs that occur from theft-related damage such as forced entry or smashed windows.

“Tool theft from vans isn’t just an inconvenience; it disrupts businesses and livelihoods. Therefore, with theft rates climbing alongside the temperature, now is the time for van owners to be on high alert when it comes to vehicle and tool security.”

In 2024 Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles research found that 41% of van drivers kept tools in a vehicle overnight. “We urge those who own expensive equipment to take extra precautions – securing or removing tools overnight and parking in a well-lit, CCTV-monitored area,” said John Ricardo-Neto, Head of Product Planning at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “For those who wish to further increase the security of their vehicles, our range of theft prevention technologies can offer extra protection, allowing van drivers to get back to focusing on their businesses.”

Gary Higgins, Former Police Superintendent, and Director of Security and Risk at DeterTech recommends using forensic marking technology to trace tools in case of theft: “Tool theft is a huge issue for tradespeople and for the entire construction industry. To reduce the risk of theft from vans, we strongly advise never leaving items on display and, where practical, removing tools from vehicles overnight.

“We also advise marking tools with SmartWater and displaying signage on the vehicle that forensic marking solutions are in use. SmartWater has a 100% conviction rate in contested court cases. That makes it a proven deterrent that also ensures stolen items can be traced and returned to their rightful owners by the police. These simple steps can make a significant difference in preventing crime and safeguarding livelihoods.”