Safeguard Your Cargo Van Against Tool Theft

While Working On The Job, Protect Your Cargo Van From Tool Theft

With the high cost of equipment, a mobile technician’s worst nightmare is having his tools stolen from his cargo van. Tool theft is very common these days, and many tradesmen are affected by it. Luckily, there are helpful preventative actions that can be taken to ensure your cargo van and the equipment inside will be safe from crime!

Safe Environment for your Cargo Van

Keeping your cargo van in a safe environment is an easy way to prevent tool theft. Vehicle break-ins are less likely to occur if your van’s parked in a garage or behind a fenced-in area. Criminals want to steal things with the least amount of effort possible. Discourage them from trying anything by adding that little bit of extra protection. During the day while on the job, park your van somewhere you can keep an eye on it or where there are people. Chances of having your cargo van robbed in broad daylight and in front of eye-witnesses, are slim.

Cargo van Alarms

The next most obvious option is a car alarm. Every cargo van should be equipped with a standard burglar alarm however you may want an upgrade depending on the tools you carry. With the standard alarm, it goes off when the van windows break or the door is forced open. The more state-of-the-art alarms offer a broader range of anti-theft features. Some can even be connected to your phone and will alert you to a break-in no matter where you are.

Window Grills and Tinting can Prevent Tool Theft

Equipping your cargo van with window grills and a dark window tint is another great and inexpensive burglar preventative. If a thief isn’t positive that there are tools inside your van, they’re much less likely to risk breaking in. However, for the few who decide take the chance, it’s a good idea to have window grills installed as well. Even if they break the tinted glass, they’ll find themselves confronted with steel bars and still no access to the cargo space.

Locks and Partitions

Not only are safety partitions imperative in a crash, but they’re also great theft deterrents. A crook entering the cab of your cargo van will find his way to your tools blocked by a partition. However, a partition will not fully protect your van if your cargo area can be unlocked from the cab. To create a full barrier around your tools, install a separate locking system for the cargo space. With access to the cab blocked by a partition and the cargo doors locked up, you can create a perfectly secure spot for your equipment.

Dash Cams

Although dashcams are mainly used in the event of an car accident, they can also be helpful when it comes to cargo van break-ins. Not all of them shut off when the vehicle is parked. Many are motion sensitive and start recording when they detect movement. Even the sight of a dashcam could be a quick way to avert theft. And if it isn’t, there’s still a possibility that they get caught on film, giving you more of an opportunity at recovering your tools.

Shelving With Locking Doors

Most tradesmen have their cargo vans upfit with van shelving in order to store their tools and equipment. If this is the case, then it’s always good to invest in shelving with locking doors or lockable drawer units. After breaking into a vehicle, the burglar probably expects to find all the tools loose for the taking. Keeping them locked up is another extra security measure that he may not have the time to breach. For tradesmen whose job depends on their tools, it’s important to take the extra steps in order to protect them against theft!

Looking for more ways to keep your vehicle safe on the road? Check out our blog on Commercial vehicle safety equipment .