Any good tradesperson will understand the importance of keeping their tools safe and secure. After all, these items are their livelihoods because without them they will be unable to work.
Recent statistics from Commercial Vehicle Direct Insurance Services show that UK tradespeople have lost over £75m due to thefts from their vehicles since 2008, with the average value of tools stolen from a van estimated at over £1,900.
As a result, tradespeople are advised to remove these from their vehicles overnight and store in a shed, garage or outbuilding. However, with thefts from gardens and outbuildings shoot up by 25% around this time of year, it is important not to be complacent when it comes to security.
This provides merchants with the perfect opportunity to promote outdoor security products. Most sheds and garages have minimal door security, so it’s worth recommending that trade customers fit a sturdy padlock that can withstand all weathers.
It’s also important to consider individual items stored within a shed, garage or building unit, such as toolboxes. For added upsell opportunities, merchants should also consider stocking anchors and cables, which can be looped through chainsaws and other expensive equipment to provide an extra level of protection if an intruder does manage to gain entry.
According to Aviva insurance, 42% of outdoor thefts involve power tools such as electric drills, planers and saws. 39% were for simple hand tools like spades, shovels, rakes and forks, and 19% were for electric and petrol lawnmower, chainsaws and ladders, so next time a customer purchases tools or equipment from you why not ask them if they have given adequate thought to security?
David Herbert is head of marketing for Yale.
