Deterring theft from vans with Tool-Defend
The providers of the Tool-Defend anti-theft alarm system for vans have cited figures from insurance providers suggesting a sharp increase in tool theft over the last five years, and a further predicted rise on the horizon.
“As van registrations rise and more people take the self-employed option, there are simply more targets for thieves to hit,” said Tool-Defend spokesperson Geoff Reyner.
“It is a lucrative business for them. Look into a trade van and you will see a whole array of power tools, treasured hand tools, compressors, air/hydraulic kits which is all very desirable and easy to sell and move on for hard cash.
“It would not be unusual to see over £10,000 worth of equipment in the average van, and when you look at what is inside recovery vehicles, the value is considerably higher.”
He continued: “Consider the scenario if you were a tradesperson and how you would cope if you suddenly couldn’t go out to work because you had no tools – money, time, reputation, loss of contract. It all adds up to a difficult situation for all parties involved, from the tradesmen and women to the client.
The Tool-Defend alarm system is manufactured by vehicle reversing safety systems specialist Amber Valley Developments. The product was developed by TruckMinder to combat catalytic converter theft issue of a few years ago.
The TruckMinder anti-cat theft alarm was fitted to a range of vehicles, from panel vans through to London buses, and proved to be a very popular choice, says Geoff Reyner.
“It is from this system that the Tool-Defend product has been developed: a proven technology that does what it says.
“The concept is simple – protect the doors. Central locking is easy to breach and gain access to a van, and there is no other protection. Thieves don’t want the van so an immobiliser does not help; it is the tools they want.
“Tool-Defend protects the doors with ultrasonic, sound wave detecting sensors – this is for side doors and rear doors.
“Any attempt to breach them will result in an alarm being triggered and a loud siren sounding… It is easy to fit, portable and features a remote arming system.”
The simplicity of the system and an installation time of less than one hour ensure a tradesperson’s vehicle can be protected easily, he adds, while optional GPS enables text message alerts.
“We’ve been really excited about Tool-Defend’s development. The insurance industry is taking a keen look at this as a potential premium reducer.
“However, the main message to the trade is there is a product you can trust which will protect your tools. The system once installed, sits independently from the vehicle’s alarm – something thieves won’t be anticipating.”
