Steak Bake stop off = van tools knock-off!

[@andyca15]

What Bastards! Do take extra precautions over the next few weeks, often van thieves double hit one person as they tend to replace their tools first and security second. Losing a set of knackered tools is annoying, losing their brand new replacements is really fucking annoying.

[@dsesuk]

Good shout. I'll probably fall back to my old Ryobi tools however, in which case when they next break in they'll perhaps leave an apology and a donation.

[@oliverriall]

Van vault David, do it, the drawer one's are awesome. Sure they can defeat that too, but not without a lot more fuss. I just keep power tools in there.

[@mainlineelectronics5266]

@@dsesukI've used erbauer stuff for years, never had a problem with them.

[@hartry79]

Sorry David that this happened to you at Cannon Park the place I've been going to since my mum first took my in the early to mid 80s 😔

[@jacob483]

Unfortunately the Ford van you got can unlock in seconds of the barrell van lock change out for a high security barrell lock and dead locks

[@hoonsurdaddy8482]

Mine got done last weekend. Luckily the company power tools are covered but I've been reassured that my hand tools as an apprentice are not. Thanks for the help, as I earn fuck all as a 38 year old apprentice trying to better myself.

[@TestGearJunkie.]

Sad to hear, hope you get sorted soon.

[@richiero0o0]

Sorry to hear this, David. Your videos really cheered me up in lockdown - have a beer/really cheap wine on me. Cheers!

[@dsesuk]

Cheers - I've already pissed it up the wall this evening *BURP!*

[@StevenAFC]

Hopefully this covers the Gregg's at least!

[@dsesuk]

Cheers Steven, it was a fine cup of coffee and ham & cheese baguette.

[@paulnorman64]

A little bit to go in the pot towards new tools. Happened to me years ago ,worst thing for me was I lost some tools my Dad gave me that he had used for many years.

[@dsesuk]

Most kind, thank you

[@PardoeElectrical]

I've got additional dead locks on my van (G-locks) this is hopefully enough to make someone think ' f**k it that's too difficult. But you are right, if they want to get in, they will, and your van doors are ruined. All the best 😎

[@dsesuk]

Yeah, the van not being damaged is the main thing. Thanks for your generous contribution

[@skamuk1]

Just had mine broken into but I’ve got a couple of van vaults inside so they didn’t manage to take anything valuable. I keep a couple of dewalt boxes with random hand tools inside that aren’t worth much with a hope they’ll grab them and run. Check your public liability for tools cover! And if you are covered you’ll need to report it to the police before you make a claim. Good luck Dave

[@dsesuk]

Thanks for the contribution - sorry for the delayed reply!

[@Klberts1234]

I invested in a few mole traps and sharpened them. Late one night sure enough I found 3 bloody chunks after hearing a blood curdling scream. Turns out it was the tips of 3 fingers 😂😂😂

[@TestGearJunkie.]

Much as I love the idea, I really hope you're joking there. There was a case we heard of where a guy who was fed up with being pickpocketed sewed a load of fish-hooks into the pocket where he kept his wallet. He had to be very careful getting it out..! However some tea-leaf dipped in, there was a blood curdling scream as you describe and blood everywhere. However he got done for assault..!

[@Klberts1234]

@@TestGearJunkie. 😊 I was Just trying to solve a mole problem and recommended adequate danger warning signs to be displayed 🤞👌

[@imark7777777]

@@TestGearJunkie.Who got done for assault? the guy who sowed the jacket with fishhooks? Feeling like that this week got a parking ticket in December was basically told I should've done my due diligence to check make sure there was no other signs I did it was only one sign on the entire block that said that there was an event going on and it just happened to be in my Blindspot and hidden by other cars when I pulled in. Sure it was visible in my dash cam but the dash cam sits 3 feet further than I do.

[@Roadent1241]

​@@TestGearJunkie. I did once wonder as a teen if I could fill a pocket of my jacket full of stinging nettles, would that got me done?

[@Roadent1241]

Well he learned.

[@415volts]

It's a sad sign of the times we live in & very sorry to hear this fella. There's a 3 section society now - those who work hard & pay taxes / those who genuinely can't work & just the other scumbags out there to take as much as they can of the others.

[@hendersonelectricalservices]

A little towards replacing some of those tools mate! Just promise not to spend it in f#@*ing Greggs… food will do you more harm than the psychological trauma from losing your tools😂. We’ve all been hit by these little f#@*ers at some point… feel for you mate! Keep up the excellent sparkie tips & vids! 👍

[@dsesuk]

Cheers, very kind of you! I promise not to blow it on a corned beef bake or a ham & cheese melt!

[@guffermeister]

Not just facebag market place or fleabay, but car boots are another place. Transit van locks are so easily. As you said they'll just cause more damaged to your van trying to get in around any extra locks to discover your van vault inside if you had one. Tool theft is a pain in the arse. Another reason this country has gone to the dogs. And shows no signs of actually sorting this stuff out

[@Badgerooni90]

Appreciated your videos over the years David. I had my tools pinched a few years ago so know how it feels mate. All the best

[@dsesuk]

Very kind of you old sport, and sorry to hear you've been on the end of it yourself.

[@stephenb8982]

So sorry to hear this Dave, I hate my van being out of sight. The people selling our tools at car boot sales are scum, but equally so those who buy them.

[@timkelly633]

People buying tools at car boots are the problem. If they weren't buying them there'd be no tool thefts

[@williammartinculleton5875]

The worst thing anyone can do is to steal someone’s tools ! I had a old plumber friend who said to me, “ if I had my life over again,I would never have worked at all” he had worked all his life & when he needed a nursing home, he had to sell his house to pay for it, if he had boozed away his money, he wouldn’t have had to pay at all.

[@TestGearJunkie.]

@@timkelly633 That's a bit steep, surely all stuff sold at car boots isn't nicked..? How is Joe Public supposed to know whether something is dodgy or not..? Let's face it, everyone loves a bargain.

[@callumrowley2203]

@timkelly633 unless original proof of purchase is available then presume it's stolen. Tool serial numbers should be linked to you

[@TestGearJunkie.]

@@callumrowley2203 That's fine from a buyer's point of view, but let's face it, you won't be buying much. How many people keep proof of purchase of something past the warranty expiry date..?

[@jasonbowe9767]

Absolutely gut wrenching, know where you’re coming from, some tools just simply can’t be replaced.

[@richard3004]

What a ball ache. Happens a lot near me (Manchester area) and most tools end up on places like Marketplace and local markets, thing is if you turn up and say “that’s my drill” police say “prove it’s yours?” When they need to be saying to the trader “where did you get them from” but there waste of time. Iv often thought of using a van but stuck with an estate with heavily tinted rear windows and no one gives it a second look, vans seem to attract attention, iv been parked next to a plasterer who had his side door on his Vito peeled down, never even attempted anything on my mondeo. However looking how much you carry I doubt an estate would work. Like you say on the bright side you still have most of your gear and the van wasn’t totally cleared out, for some reason though all vans seem to come with crap security. Best I saw was a local general builder when he opened his back door his German shepherd was sat there, had a laugh about it but said he’s never had anything nicked…

[@dsesuk]

Fortunately, this is my first experience of it, and it could have been worse.

[@richard3004]

@@dsesukhopefully the last too. Needs something in law for selling second hand tools, get rid of the market for them and theft would reduce if there’s no one to sell onto.

[@TestGearJunkie.]

@@richard3004 So what do you do when you genuinely want to sell your old stuff when you upgrade..? All banning 2nd hand sales would do (even if it were enforceable, which I doubt) would increase the junk sent to landfill.

[@richard3004]

@@TestGearJunkie.for me, like all the other trades I know we don’t upgrade. Buy tools run them until they disintegrate then bin. By time they’ve done a number of years daily service there not fit for second hand. To sell second hand on would need some sort of receipt from the original purchase, it needs a system to be able to point a finger at the person selling them and say “where are they from and how did you get them to sell on”

[@TestGearJunkie.]

Oh crap, so sorry to hear this. Sammi and I had our laptops stolen at Euston station in London last year, they were on our suitcases and we only turned our backs for a couple of seconds to use the ticket machines, we heard a crash as one of the cases fell to the floor, and that was it 🤬 They were only cheap ones off eBay, so didn't cost a lot to replace, but of course with computers it's all the data on the hard drives, we had to go through all the accounts online we have and change all the passwords, that took ages, I think there are still a few I may have missed, but it was a wakeup call. Never take your eyes off the ball, not ever, not for a second, or some tea-leaf will have it away🤬

[@dsesuk]

It could have been worse had they knackered the van or grabbed the Megger case, but yeah, it only takes a moment of distraction and the pain to put right can add up to a lot.

[@jamescollins6085]

If you don't already, look into encrypting the contents of your boot drives. The built-in BitLocker drive encryption is pretty good if you use Windows, but ensure you keep the recovery key safe.

[@TestGearJunkie.]

@@jamescollins6085 We use Linux, so it's possible they took one look at them and didn't have a clue..!

[@TestGearJunkie.]

@@jamescollins6085 We use Linux, not sure about that, will look into it.

[@TheErador]

​@@TestGearJunkie.Should use LUKS then, pretty easy to setup if it's not enabled by default

[@Dime_Bar]

I've had my vans broken into twice, once in Manchester where they peeled the sliding door open like a banana skin, and once in London where they drilled a hole in the sliding door. I'm a fire alarm service / commission engineer and I don't do install so I only have a cheap green Bosch drill which they left both times, my expensive test equipment and laptop was with me both times thankfully. Manchester I didn't even get a police response even though they did a few vans at the same time and was told to do my own investigation by getting CCTV. I feel your pain

[@dsesuk]

It's the damage to the van more than the loss of tools that worries me.

[@Dime_Bar]

​@@dsesuk £2200 to get the sliding door replaced / painted and fitted for a Toyota proace and they stole nothing. Had to drive about 90 miles home with the door like that. Edit you had me all excited for a second with that only fans page link in the description.

[@AmirKhan-qx2lr]

Sometimes I do wonder if the laws like they have in Saudi would help, once they lose a hand or two they'd think twice about ruining someone's livelihood.

[@stepbackandthink]

They do this because they know the police don't give a toss.

[@JonNelson90WBN]

Sorry mate. Hope it helps.

[@dsesuk]

Very kind old chap. I will survive I'm sure! Stiff upper lip, despite the loss of my beloved Hioki!

[@gibbodive140]

Sorry to hear you have gone through this, It is a horrible anger inducing experience. It has happened to me 3 times over the last 20 years. I was so affected by it for months after, I used to wake up through the night at any little noise to check the van was OK and "spy out" of a customers window while working (which doesn't help work concentration levels !). I was also having nightmares through the night for months after, of someone breaking into the van and I would wake the house up actually screaming obscenities, "while chasing the F....r down the road". Used to scare the other half who was dreaming of roses ! You can make things more secure at home but it doesn't help much during the day when the van is fully loaded probably in a public space. However i am so tired at the end of the day that the idea of loading tools at 6 in the morning and removing them at 5,6,7,8 at night would probably make me give up even sooner, so all credit to you for doing this. I have a new van coming soon and am considering the ideal of extra locks/sign writing too ? You make a good point that extra locks would delay and possibly put off a thief but on the other hand they may peel the doors off like a sardine can causing £4/5000 of damage, increase to insurance premiums etc. At least you (and I) haven't had that "misfortune" pilled upon us too? You are one of the good guys dealing with, what seems and increasing level of frustrations in working life. I wish you well.... Thank you

[@dsesuk]

Personally I think sign writing is a good thing. Any van's a target and I've seen plain white ones with their doors peeled open as much as liveried vans. It's a big advertising space and it helps the locals to get used to seeing you pootling around.

[@unknowngoogleuser4372]

Sorry to hear about this Dave. Had my Transit van stolen in Leamington and police said they are using a special key to gain entry.

[@andrewwatson3576]

Sorry to hear that Dave, it’s about time someone done something to stop these scum, I am just starting to build me tools, some people may look down on my magnasun vde drivers and com I drill from Lidl etc, but as an adult learner with limited funds I do my best to build the tools out and when I start earning plan to improve the selection etc and even though I live way up north I am shitting myself with the thought that some little tosser could take in seconds what has taken me years To build up

[@dominic_8652]

Sorry to hear your news! They cut a hole in the side door of mine a few years ago - It took 16 weeks to get the new door from Ford - Sadly the police told us they have lots of Transits being broken into 😞 Keep you chin up Mr. Savery.

[@dsesuk]

Damaging the van's a stinker and one of the reason why I don't go for vaults and locks. Usually what's on there is just consumables, but it's vulnerable in a location like this of course.

[@s.kxx1956]

Definitely recommend a van vault, yes they are expensive but they add a delay in them getting at them and they also add a degree of organisation in the van.

[@YoutubeHero666]

yeah i have a slim slider good for this situation

[@crazycruff]

Gutted for you Dave, its the hand tools that hurt the most. Years of building up bespoke to you odds and sodds. Absolute c**ts.

[@dsesuk]

Yeah, it takes time to get that toolbox humming sweetly, so for some lunkhead to drag it off and upturn it over a table at a shoky car-boot sale does sting.

[@NBundyElectrical]

bring a trolley to my unit and fill it up mate

[@dsesuk]

Cheers Nick. I'll start by taking that Megger X1!

[@NBundyElectrical]

@@dsesuk ffs

[@TestGearJunkie.]

@@dsesuk You don't want one of those, heap of crap (sorry Nick..!) Can't stand things with colour touch screens, they eat batteries. The 1552 (and to a lesser extent the 1741) last for ages on a single charge.

[@snail5967]

Terrible, feel for you Dave. I was at Elex on Thursday and saw a Quinetic stand there. They have pir sensor (battery operated) that they say people are now placing these in their vans and using an alarm to pair it with that you keep on your person whilst working or shopping in your case - if anybody enters the van, the alarm sounds and it gives you a chance to hopefully stop the scumbags. I know it’s after the horse has bolted in your case but worth looking into…

[@Ozbert]

Sorry to hear that you got done Dave. Myself and a colleague had our vans smashed into in Derby. Really gutting ! Good luck rebuilding your kit again.

[@colinblanchard2828]

Sorry to hear this. Hope this goes a little way towards some replacement kit.

[@dsesuk]

Very kind of you Colin

[@lawrencebrown2369]

I feel for you David. I had my sliding door drilled in Tesco Coventry Arena car park a couple of weeks ago. This was on a very busy afternoon, I'd just popped in to buy one item and when I came out I saw a large white van parked next to my van blocking me in. They saw me coming and drove off. It wasn't until i got home that saw the hole in the door. The van was double locked and has extra deadlocks fitted by me. They didn't get in this time, but it has put me off taking the van to go shopping at Tesco!

[@mustafaal-dhubab1838]

Am sorry Dave to hear what happened, I had the same thing happen to me last week at ikea wednesbury I lost all my power tools and all my hand tools and they damaged my doors it’s a horrible feeling.

[@g0fvt]

I feel your pain, I have had tools stolen from my estate car in the past. The bulk of things I could remember were easy to replace but even a year or so later I would reach into the toolbox for a specific tool to find it missing. As you pointed out a lot of tools are advertised on the likes of FB marketplace...often the descriptions make it blatantly clear that they don't even know what they are selling.

[@pccelectricalservicesltd7763]

Gutted for you David. Happened to me not long ago, stopped at sainsbury for some bloody milk and got in the side door and all my test equipment away.

[@dsesuk]

Thing is, you build up a working partnership with your tools. For years you go through the thick and thin of the working day with them, so when some scrote simply swipes 'em away just to flog down at the Dog & Hammer with no thought toward their history or heritage... well, it kinda grates.

[@garethhodson3896]

Gippos Dave - gutted for you mate! I’ve had it done to me twice - your heart sinks when you realise

[@clumhain]

Bad luck there Dave , feel your pain. Lost a hilti years ago in under 2 minutes away from van, unbelievable how quick the fuppers are.

[@Rollin-Rant]

I remember years ago when I was sitting in the transit having my lunch in the daytime and the van started rocking, when I got out to see what it was, surprisingly there were two bastards trying to pull the generator out of the side door, one of them needed hospital treatment but the other shit got away, you need dead locks on your van Dave.

[@dsesuk]

I dunno, I like the van being intact more than the tools going awol.

[@Rollin-Rant]

Put a surprise in there for them voltage tripler 25kv from a 12 volt 7Ahr battery rigged up to something that looks expensive 😳

[@clumhain]

Thanks

[@dsesuk]

Most kind Joe, I thank you!

[@johnpugh24]

So sorry to hear this! Some people don't give a shit about anyone else.

[@dsesuk]

Very generous, thanks John!

[@adrianupnorth]

A small donation towards your losses Mr S. Not going to replace any tools but might help the beer fund.

[@dsesuk]

I shall spend it unwisely, thanks Adrian!

[@davidrawlinson904]

Sorry to hear that Dave. Turds

[@dsesuk]

Cheers David!

[@mainlineelectronics5266]

If someone broke in my van, they would probably leave me a few quid.

[@chrisardern4594]

One reason I didnt have my van signed written. Just be warned that they may target you in a couple of weeks as they know you will have to re tool.

[@dsesuk]

I'm not convinced of the signage thing. I think any van is a target, and I've seen plain white vans with their sides peeled open. Also, DSES.UK doesn't even tell the passing miscreant that it's an electrician's van; they simply had the means and they took a punt. For the past twelve years though, this hasn't happened and the sign writing on the van has advertised the business - and led to business as people have told me that's how they noticed me. Don't be afraid of van livery because it might attract the wrong person, as there's every chance it'll attract a hundred right people!

[@kayloh1016]

It’s really annoying, I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who hasn’t had their van done at least once. It’s a massive shame that the police or the powers that be don’t do anything about this. I’ve been thinking of beefing up my van security and SOTA electrical just uploaded a video on a new alarm system he fitted which seemed interesting and might be worth considering.

[@robbiewhelan]

Had my van done twice over the years ,its a terrible feeling, resorted now to a site box bolted down in the back of the van

[@olly7673]

I'm gutted for you and I admire your stoicism. I've been fortunate enough not to have been in your situation but I have always thought about how would I remember all the little tools in the toolbox. Even with your videos to look back on, I expect there will be something you only remember when you need it. I can recommend the Milwaukee M12 Fuel range, they are very compact and lightweight and I prefer them to most of my Dewalt 18V gear. Vans aren't really secure and we all know that if the toe-rags want to get in they will so making it harder is all people can do. I think inner deadlock bar doors would be enough to put off the chancers.

[@dsesuk]

Cheers Olly. It's hard to know how far to take security, but I've always been of the school of thought where it's better for the tools to go than the van to be damaged.

[@Mr.MFuckingYTchangedmyname]

The thing is, all the security measures just become a pain in your own arse when you want to nip back to the van for a few screws or whatever, so you stop using them. (Which is when you get hit, probably)

[@jimreece7615]

Gutted for you Dave. They will probably be fenced via car boot sale or eBay/gumtree. Authorities need to clamp down on these sellers.

[@jasonwatson9011]

Large hammer, kneecaps and fingers. As to the Police, your reporting a crime so they should give you a number at the least - they did with me years ago. Not giving you a crime number keeps their failure numbers lower = better performance figures than their actually getting (Grrrr). Like you said even if you upgrade your locks the scum bags just can opener you van instead - their bloody quick at it as they've had lots of practice so they know the weak spots. I agree with what the others have mentioned a van vault may be the best option - just remember to lock it. Vans need theft rating scores to persuade the manufacturers to do a better job.

[@TestGearJunkie.]

Yeah, they should have given you a crime number. Ring them up and demand one.

[@ConorNoakes]

As David said though, the harder you make it to open in a non damaging way just means the thin metal skin of the vehicle becomes the path of least resistance. All that you achieve is a van with a massive great hole torn in the side of it. The most secure thing I’ve seen is having a metal cage built into the back of the van for tools so that you have to open the vehicle *and* breach the non-standard and alone to van thieves metal cage. Anything standard fitment rapidly ends up with a SOP for breaking in to it quickly and quietly

[@jasonwatson9011]

@@ConorNoakesThat's why the van vault may be the best option - you could still have your door chopped up - depends on the scumbag attacking the van. One of our fleet vans got the side door folded down despite additional locks located to prevent it. The standard lock was defeated by slicing a hole in the door like a can opener. Ironically the shop that fixed it managed to fix the door and fitted an armoured after market plate over the weak spot that got sliced. Sure they could probably still get in but it would probably take 30mins and make a lot of noise so they go for something easier. They are going to get in. All you can do is slow them down and increase the chances they will get caught - make them go elsewhere.

[@KlusterYogo]

Sorry to hear about this mate, been screwed over upwards of about 10 times, im only 24 lol! I know the exact feeling of coming to a van and sensing somethings pretty off. Give us a shout if I can help out with anything, ive probably a spare few bits should you need em'.

[@johnwaby4321]

Sorry to hear Dave .they got into my van a few years ago far to easy ..bad design on the van manufacturers. . Happens to much now any any time of the day .😯😯

[@Richardincancale]

Apple AirTags with the sounder disabled (see YT videos for details) hidden in expensive/vital bits of kit?

[@duncan9237]

One hidden in the car/van as well, cheaper than any tracker.

[@stepbackandthink]

My only worry about these is if the thief has an android phone, they're pointless.

[@bassmw]

ive started laser engraving tools and the boxes and metal plates secured to the doors on the van saying any equipment that may be on the veilcle is qr marked and registered to the owner

[@jtsotherone]

this is a great idea, was looking for a use for those cheap laser engravers - this could be it

[@bassmw]

@@jtsotheroneIVE BEEN WORKING ON IT FOR A YEAR IT WORKS THE DATABASE IS GETTING BIGGER

[@bassmw]

IVE APPLIED TO REGISTER A DATA BASE WITH POLICE INSURANCE AND TOOL SUPPLIES SHOPS THE IDEA HAS A FILE FOR PATENT BUT ITS A DRAWN OUT PROCESS

[@bassmw]

@@jtsotheroneMY LASERS ARE NOT CHEAP

[@mrpsychodeliasmith]

Really sorry for your loss. Wonder if it's possible to get a PIR triggered PIN activated/deactivated 100db alarm for the interior?

[@TestGearJunkie.]

Or a smartwater spray. That stuff is damn near impossible to scrub off.

[@nodger000]

Sorry that happened to you, but you can’t keep a good man down

[@dsesuk]

Very kind. I'm down but not out!

[@paulasser1589]

I feel your pain David it happened to me just over a year ago and it took a long time to find out what totally was taken. Those little things that you use once in a blue moon but gets you out of trouble 😡

[@RaithUK]

Davo, sorry to hear about ya tools fella. The irony of getting done when just getting a bite to eat is nuts. That must mean there is criminals just floating around waiting for a van to hit.. insanity.

[@dsesuk]

I imagine they were scoping my handsome ass the moment I passed through the entry barrier. Obviously, they figured I was too much of a double-hard bastard to face off in person, so they waited for me to waddle into Greggs before deviously dicking with my van. Then they panicked when I came out all too soon clutching my ham n' cheese melt like a fucking weapon, and they shit themselves and scarpered sharpish.

[@DONK8008]

A plumber friend also had his Transit broken into, they did the same thing that happened to you, tool bag and top name tools taken leaving more expensive shit. No damage to the van either so it seems you can just walk up and ask it nicely to open the side door.

[@smithurst18]

I feel for you mate, had the same happen to me when I first set up. Let's hope their balls fester.

[@Stop..carry-on]

Dave you need to change the drivers door lock to a kykee lock type very easy to do .The standard transit mk7 door lock are crap - they prob unlocked the back via the drivers door by holding their pick-key to the left for a few seconds which unlocks the back

[@curtis24-7]

This is one of the reasons that drove me off the tools and into the office. It seems to be an absolute pandemic lately, and as you've demonstrated it's not confined to just London. I don't really see what's got to happen in order for the law to start taking this seriously.

[@andrewmcguigan8039]

Some one will get killed eventually. Happened in my street when I was a kid, guy across the road caught a kid stealing his car armed with a screwdriver. A scuffle ensued and the scrote ended up stabbed and dying. Neighbor got tried for manslaughter but the jury refused to convict him.

[@LeighWinspear]

@@andrewmcguigan8039 can you post the case as a study, as its exactly how it would go down if I encountered the same shitsuation.

[@gadgetman36]

I'm so sorry this has happened. It's definitely worth getting deadlocks, a van vault, and tool insυrance if you don't have them already.

[@jneale7715]

I think a nice DS van security measure is in order. Like an electric fence type arrangement!

[@dsesuk]

Some kind of machine gun affair installed in the rear is in order I think. I just need a foolproof way to ensure it's disabled when I'm opening the side door with a hangover in the mornings...

[@Roadent1241]

​@@dsesukbiometric scanner on the door handle?

[@elexcel]

F’in dawgs!! Pisses me right off to see this happen to hard working folk

[@dsesuk]

Most kind. How's life on the Gold Coast? It's been a while since your last posting.

[@jamiestothard8612]

Gutted for you mate. That little tester looked like a great bit of kit. Will all have to keep our eyes out for it being re sold somewhere

[@dsesuk]

The Hioki's loss is my biggest pain!

[@jamiestothard8612]

Bastards.

[@RuchOporuElektryk]

So sorry David, it's just so annoying when it happens. I hope one of the companies sponsoring UK sparkie channels will equip you with brand new toolkit.

[@dsesuk]

Between generous contributions and Nick Bundy passing on his Bosch gear, I'm covered for getting back on the job tomorrow morning.

[@IanFarquharson2]

You could rig up a smartwater spray on a microswitch that’s only live when it’s locked. Door open without using central locking sprays the person at side door. Telling plod you’ve covered them in forensic piss might help get them out. Probably more expensive than a half decent bucket of tools though, and bound to go off on you eventually.

[@carlrobson5745]

bastards gripper rods on the inside of the door

[@dsesuk]

With my hangovers, that would catch me out more than anyone else.

[@Rob-zd2be]

On the Ford Vans you can get a Tribbie Key off the web. Opens the door quite easy.

[@d.wood72]

It doesn’t matter what locks you put on. My van last year was up to date with the latest locks. They still got in using robbed coping saw, drills and hammer drill. Busy the door doing it and got away with not a lot as it wasn’t there

[@LtKernelPanic]

Damn man that sucks. Years ago when I worked in IT we had a contract to install gear for a major US retailer that required working overnight for about six months. One night after an install went to shit we got back to the hotel at like 4 or 5 am and passed out. Of course that was the one fucking time I left my toolbox in the back of the truck and it disappeared. I didn't find out until the next job site when I went to grab it out of the truck. The only saving grace was said retailer sells a metric fuck ton of tools so I got to go "shopping" before I could even do the damned site survey. The final kick to the balls was when I found out the company insurance wouldn't cover it because the value of the tools was less than the deductible! Made good money doing that job but almost 20 years later it still grinds my gears thinking about it.

[@Mr.MFuckingYTchangedmyname]

I had something similar, but went for a piss at 5am (as you do, chaps) and as I got into bed, thought I'd just get back up and look down on the van, seeing as it was sunrise. There were 2 scrotes unloading my van! I flew down into the carpark in my shorts and combat boots and...well, let's just say that I ended up with a car after they ran away, haha. Sadly, it was a criminal pool car, worthless, but it's about the only time I've been pleased to have to get up for a piss in the night

[@TestGearJunkie.]

@@Mr.MFuckingYTchangedmynameOk, so why were you wearing combat boots in bed..? 🤣

[@Mr.MFuckingYTchangedmyname]

@TestGearJunkie. Because I'm ROCK HARD, obviously! Well, maybe not, I just grabbed my shorts and into my boots. I did take the time to remove my Leatherman, in case things got stabby down there, and I ended up on a murder charge, or stabbed myself. As it turned out I did get a small wound in the armpit from a power drill when I grabbed the slowest of the thieves - but didn't notice till the cop asked if I was alright. (Yes, the police actually did turn up, 4 hours later, after the 4th call, when they realised I wasn't reporting a van break-in, and I had actually engaged the gentlemen taking my stuff. Not that it was any help, they realised it was those friendly travelling folk who mysteriously get blamed for things like this, and they suddenly curtailed their enquiries.)

[@mfx1]

Damage to the van is covered by insurance, tools generally aren't. And get a van vault bolted to the floor.

[@martinop2flo45]

Let this be a lesson children, when you fail to install the necessary deterrent to discourage absent father, multiple partner moms children from taking your livelihood with a pointy thing, this is coming home to your own family and will create a mental illness that will not be easily removed, anger is not cool with a small family and requires the necessary precautions. Removing your tools into your home at the end of a days graft is totally irrelevant in this scenario. GET SECURITY 🔐

[@michaelanderson8010]

Absolute mindless idiocy! I hope you manage to get all of the essential stuff in order for you to carry on! It’s a normal thing in this day and age. You are so lucky to have gone so long without any issues. Keep up the great work and don’t let the buggers get you down!!👍👍

[@simonabel6869]

That's typical for Coventry!! I had my van done over working in Coventry and know many other that have as well.

[@dsesuk]

Cities are always a risker area, I steer clear when I can, but it's not like Cannon Park is an iffy area, and I've been there many times before.

[@richardpoulter2146]

You can use an old worn out key and wiggle until it unlocks on thoses keys

[@pauledwards9493]

I'd recommend marking your tools with SelectaDNA Dave but apart from that, a Vanvault is the way to go.

[@shibby7153]

Far more likely your tools will end up on facebook market place rather than ebay imo. Perhaps you could track your tools down by putting in the place where your van was broken into as your location and searching from there. Its possible the nobheads are local and not the brightest

[@Mr.MFuckingYTchangedmyname]

Coventry, it's a certainty

[@Flashjohnsparks]

I had my van robbed whilst working on a rental property for the chief inspector of Northampton. Nothing happened, it's the Police farce not force

[@ajones8699]

Lucky to still have the megger,

[@dsesuk]

Quite a result that. I'm laughing at them for missing it!

[@Martin64uk]

I love the fact that you haven't asked for anything yet people like what you do so much that they've sent unsolicited donations straight away. Gutted for you, only had it done once with hand tools, the worst thing was having to listen to my mother saying ' I told you not to leave them in the car, didn't I?' 🤣

[@dsesuk]

Cheers Martin. The video wasn't a cry for help, but folk such as yourself have been very generous in chipping in and I do appreciate it. Ol' Bundy did me a solid too and has passed on his used Bosch gear so I'll be able to hit the ground running tomorrow morning!

[@imark7777777]

Well good excuse to upgrade. Yes it's definitely worth laying out everything in your bag every so often and taking photos and doing a bag tour.

[@davebuchan3136]

It's a complete joke now, they might as well not bother putting locks on the van, the van manufacturers know its an issue and still do nothing. The police aren't interested. Sorry to hear the bad news

[@JayG2K]

i only just watched a few videos on van security. one plumber in Warwick(MJ tiffF) had a system fitted. Also SOTA electrical did a recent video on Vanguardian

[@leesworld3659]

Feel for you Dave, Had my tools lifted some years ago by a resident of the apartments we were refurbing at the time, nice people not.

[@ediijay9897]

Hi. Did you replace the Hioki and if so what with? Much appreciated. Thanks.

[@dsesuk]

I might get hold of a Chauvin 6513 Eddie: catalog.chauvin-arnoux.co.uk/uk_en/c-a-6513-3603.html - I like the idea of an analogue instrument. At present, I do have a Chauvin 6522 which is the same thing in digital form though.

[@Matt19271991]

had mine done last summer, the stinking rat bag took a burnt out titan chaser of all things... missed my testing bag with about 1500 quids worth in it. Replacing your tool bag is a tough one, we all do pretty much the same work but i bet none of our tool bags are kitted out the same.

[@cjmillsnun]

Cannon Park. Didn't think Canley was that bad an area.. Used to work near there. Anyway, would be worth looking in the local cash converters. I suspect once there you may well be making a call to the filth.

[@TestGearJunkie.]

Used to visit Coventry a lot in the 80's/90's. Ghastly place once you get out of the city centre, and even there it can be well dodgy in places. Not as bad as Birmingham, though.

[@alanw8834]

made sure i watched all the ads all the way through so you get some revenue from YT, will also set one of your playlists running tonight too 👍

[@jamesosborne4132]

There aren’t any Ads in the video 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@TestGearJunkie.]

@@jamesosborne4132 I never saw any but I use an ad-blocker.

[@morkthebuilder9943]

Words fail me. So sorry to hear this. I also drive a van and I’m bloody paranoid parking it up anywhere. Scum bags. I wish these van manufacturers did something about this situation. Just not acceptable

[@cstew8355]

Sorry pal

[@dsesuk]

Most kind, thanks old fruit.

[@cstew8355]

👍

[@NE-locksmith]

So sorry to hear this Dave. Things need to change I have a makita combo sat here doing nothing if you’re interested

[@dsesuk]

Cheers old fruit. Bundy has set me up with his used Bosch gear which will get me out of schtuk!

[@loris123mears]

Sorry that’s happened to you Dave! A lot of time and money goes into acquiring a tool kit that you are happy with and it must be gutting for it to be taken away. On the bright side you’ll get yourself some new nice shiny toys to play with

[@dsesuk]

I never liked the blue colour of Makita anyway.

[@kevvywevvywoo]

might even end up at an auction house among a box of 'house clearance' stuff. Our local auction house handles power tools put in by a distant police force that have been recovered from drugs raids etc where the tools have no identifiable markings on them. To prevent the original owners identifying them and claiming them, the police use an auction house several counties away to minimise any risk of more work for them or the auction house. At least..thats how it appears.

[@Mr.MFuckingYTchangedmyname]

That sounds about right, My brother had his van done, in plain sight of CCTV, they could track it back to the owner's house! Police couldn't/wouldn't do anything, but when my brother asked for the address so he could go and "make enquiries" himself, they threatened him with arrest if he even attempted to deal with this himself.

[@kiefferevans4004]

Sorry to hear this mate. Got done when on holiday, albeit i should've taken it all in but absolutely gutting.

[@zombienation68]

Unlucky David. Never had tools stolen from my van but have had tools stolen by customers whilst on the job...thieving bastards everywhere unfortunately. You need hidden CCTV that arms when you leave the van

[@isaacpenfold4973]

wouldnt wish that on anyone, hope you can enjoy your new tool set on the bright side.. my van came with an additional lock on back and side door for the opportunist, like you say if they want to get in they will.. perhaps with all these new receipts for new gear its worth an insurance quote as it might be reasonable, worth it for your new kit perhaps..

[@ChrisCowley1]

When my van was done over (rough estimate of 1.5 grand to replace all the main bits that were taken) I have to say the police were fucking useless. Couldn't be arsed to come out or even talk about it -- they just advised me to make a note of the crime number and forward it to my insurers. It was around about the time that they arrested that bloke and wrestled him to ground for pulling a mooney at a speed camera. W**kers.

[@FrontSideBus]

Talking about the IQ of these people has reminded me of when a certain community rocked up on a nearby farmers field where the padlock on the gate mysteriously went missing. Anyway, a few days later, everybody's shed got broken into. They nicked the cheap and nasty B&Q rotary lawnmower but left the ATCO cylinder mower that was worth about 700 quid! It did weigh a bit though lol

[@AndyFletcherX31]

Sorry to hear that. Hope you don't discover anything irreplaceable has gone

[@dsesuk]

Thankfully, the porn stash under the driver's seat is still present and correct. Even the May 1996 collectors edition!

[@DelticEngine]

Sounds to me like all vans should have their own CCTV in them that covers the inside as well as the exterior. Should be okay, legally, depending on the view in the sense that the main item in the image is the van and not public space. One of the difficulties with adding security, particularly if it's visible is the trade-off between having a more secure vehicle and a vehicle that looks like there may be something worth stealing from within in the first place.

[@zjzozn]

Would that stop them?

[@dsesuk]

There are such solutions, but if the miscreants have covered their faces and there's no blood or DNA on the scene, then the law doesn't want to know it seems.

[@DelticEngine]

@@zjzozn It depends how it's implemented. A extra 'reversing camera' could be mounted above the side door. A dashcam system with front and rear cameras, often with a flashing light, running all the time in the windscreen is something I've seen several times. It may be possible to set the dashcam in a position where it also catches the reflection of the sides of the van in the mirrors which would provide side-security as well. The last thing a thief or snooper wants is to be identified, particularly as it is likely they are already known to the police.

[@DelticEngine]

@@dsesuk Sad but, unfortunately, true. It seems law enforcement are only interested in 'big ticket' crimes and those that are easy to solve, though some are much better. People with covered faces do tend to stand out more and 'look' like trouble so while a face covering helps obscure an identity it also attracts attention. It is conceivable that the culprit(s) may have dressed to appear like a 'work mate' so as to make their presence and activity look as 'normal' as possible and therefore attract as little attention as possible and 'fit into a crowd' so to speak. This explains why so few people see anything unusual even when a crime is committed directly in front of them.

[@DelticEngine]

@ As you're creative and electrically minded, this may sound ridiculous but an ultrasonic cat scarer is just above above the frequency of human hearing but the beam is quite painful to humans. They are also very cheap. It may be possible rig one, or several, up to activate on a door opening if the devices are not deactivated first. A much milder version is already used at some shops to deter gangs of youth from loitering outside the entrance. (I had imagined a vehicle with a number of such devices at the front (maybe discretely hidden) to deal with JSO protesters.)