Tool and Van Theft, Epidemic in the UK, Protect your livelihood, Must watch

[@williamarmstrong7199]

Beating a van thief with a bat is perfectly acceptable to me. Adding 6" nails to the bat would be preferable but maybe a little extreme ;)

[@OscarsDesignSpace]

@Ellis The DJ they will still steal with their stumps. Maybe a digit everytime they get caught.

[@jongurney]

There’s a video of Chris Fix (car mechanic) who just put a secret switch into his car that disconnects the fuel pump to the engine. Flick the switch and the engine wont run. Hide it somewhere accessible but super hard to find.

[@johnwooldridge6199]

Every vehicle I have had in the last 15 years I have had kill switch’s fitted 3 times they have managed break in to disarm the alarm but couldn’t steal my vehicles only cost £40 to have fitted

[@rrenvrrenv8014]

There are 2 main problems 1. The thieves know they probably won't be caught by the police 2. Even if the police do catch them nothing will happen anyway

[@eddieellison7959]

Hey Nick, great video as this is a scourge....been done 4 times in the last three years, twice working on sites away from home and twice outside my house. Not to mention the numerous attempts causing damage etc. As stated the reason this happens is people BUYING THE STOLEN TOOLS...it will never stop till they are out of the equation but the sad fact is that will never happen!! centuries-old problem we have had this. I have all my tools Smart watered, and the van now has a sensor in it that sprays the rear interior with the stuff and smoke so not only can they not see shit, they get covered with it and it doesn't wash off anytime soon so they do get caught...well according to the sales pitch, but the police carry the torch to identify the stuff and boom nicked, even though they may not get the gear back they cannot get away from the fact that they have been in or near the van at discharge, day or night. And I thought the same... get insurance cover... but that fell on its arse when they try any means to get out of paying you, but I do like the tracker idea as like you say they will simply steal your van, which just happened to a fellow spark I know had his van stolen in broad daylight with folk walking round...Our job is bad enough without all the paranoia at night etc, don't think I have slept right for years because of this....lol.

[@acelectricalsecurity]

These Vans are made cheaply, the metal used is like tin foil, that's why they can peel the doors back. Manufacturers are obsessed with putting gadgets in that doesn't get used but miss the basics. The people who buy these stolen tools should be shot, if they couldn't sell the tools they wouldn't break into Vans.

[@martin54123]

I had 2 complete sets of tools stolen total each time circa £7,000, second time luckily I was insured but still a real pain. After the first time I had armour plated locks all round, heavy duty chains pulling together rear and side doors and additional steering lock and internal rear alarm, they just dragged it off my drive round the corner to a secluded spot and broke into it at their leisure. I guess when you advertising your trade on the outside of the van it's a magnet for theft. If I hadn't moved to Portugal where thankfully it's not a problem, I was going to have some fake magnetic signs made to go over my details at night saying " Martin's Emergency Sewage Clearing Service", I think that might have helped discourage anyone!

[@supersparks9466]

A plain black vw transporter with “private ambulance “ should do the trick

[@ranbirsingh7666]

Hi, Had my van stolen couple years ago and all tools .. £8K LOSE in total 😬😬🤬🤬🤬. Just bought a new van over weekend and Alarm Immobiliser fitted , also just picked a Dislock for steering wheel . Looking to had 2 x slamlocks installed on Van too. BE SAFE FELLOW TRADESMEN!!! Rather be SAFE , than SORRY!!! 👍👊🏼

[@mfselectrical6370]

Slam locks aren’t any better than the original lock they use the original locking mechanism and disable the handle

[@brianharper8304]

when are they going to bring out the super 3 option,Nick?That's the one with GPS tracker,live stream video,an explosive device by the fuel tank & a key fob detonator button.I would happily pay the extra for that option.

[@avfczoff]

😂😂😂😂👍🏻

[@edcooper2396]

Tool manufacturers could help by implementing some security features into their power tools, if I was designing them I'd offer a bluetooth lock feature, needs to be near your phone to work, same for the batteries, bluetooth micro-controllers are under a dollar and easily integrated into a brushless controller.

[@muzikman2008]

I believe Milwakee have started making power tools with similar features to what you mentioned.Great idea, unless you forget your phone i suppose...lol..

[@edcooper2396]

or you break your phone!

[@simolatham03]

As sparks can we just not electrify the body of our vans, seems practical a few 12v batteries in series, caps and a earth road for discharging. In SA they have flame throwers as carjacking is a real problem keep that in mind.

[@markyd2633]

I love going on the Facebook market place and asking people selling power tools can you prove its not stolen.........about 70% go very quiet after that........also a mate if mine put razor blades around the seals on the doors of his van...any scumbags trying to break into his van will leave there DNA all over the floor.....any way another good vid keep em coming...be good

[@cottonlung]

Have you seen the price of a new door, that's why manufacturers aren't too bothered about security. Sickening really but that's how it is.

[@jondonnelly3]

Ford etc should make a security pack that you can spec on a van that massively increases security but doesn't change the look of the van. With the big locks on the van you are saying, come steal me I've lots of lovely loot inside.

[@jakefreeman6024]

I brought a new van last week and I was discussing with the dealer about this subject, he advised a few things , first was a disklock, second was having extra locks on the doors and the third was have a switch fitted hidden in the back somewhere that kills the battery, when you get out in the evening kill the power, I've had my tools stolen before and i know how crap it can make you feel

[@SME_Ste]

The side door peal and steal is because the doors are too flimsy. My transit has had a steel plate welded across the top half internally , this makes the door so rigid its un peelable.

[@DJ-SPARKY-REACH-ON-AIR]

I still reckon you can put on the door handles electrocution device for from electric fence and as soon as you arm the alarm ma it goes on not make them bloody think twice and then when you put a ring doorbell alarm in your vehicle that was so surprising and get it to trigger something that thing like a smoke bomb or something

[@cottonlung]

I've put carpet grips along the tops of the sliding doors.. bastards will think twice.. dna better than a fingerprint 😉

[@carls1205]

I think all the door security just causes more damage to the van and lost time and money to the owner. Had my van done 3 times in 3 years and the 3rd time was 2 nights ago in the hotel car park whilst working away. I had dead locks on my van the 2nd time and they just crowbarred the door to pieces causing 1000's in damage which cost me £500 in excess plus I had to pay the vat bill on the repair. It goes down as a fault claim so my insurance went up and I lost days of work because the insurance company messed me around with a suitable replacement courtesy vehicle. Best off leaving the van unlocked and having solid anti vehicle theft and tool protection inside the van.

[@steviecandtheplace2b]

Not just tradespeople; AV/PA hire too. There was a known gang targeting DJ equipment and we got told by the police “there’s nothing we can do as it’s a civil matter” or some such crap. Boils my piss.

[@markyd2633]

Every van owner needs to put pressure on the manufacturers to make there vans safer...they don't seem to give a shit

[@mickpowner1673]

My van and 3 vans in my street done at 7pm last night 8k worth of my tools gone so pissed off

[@Mr.Q852]

Does that package come with being able to turn the van on from the comfort of my bed so it’s nice and toasty for when I get in? Great video mate I’ve got them locks and more, also got a van vault, but like you said they will just steal the van. So I’ll defo be looking into the tool cover and van package thing. Like some of your poster have mentioned the police have their hands tied with catching speeding motorists, I could hand deliver a thief caught in the act and they’d still get away with it. Cheers mate

[@wayneegli8379]

When I see police sitting in the median, crime goes up. Speeding tickets pay and are safer than going after actual criminals. Think summer of 2020 times 1,000,000.

[@richardwash6678]

Why don't Van's have audible alarms, so when a door is opened (when it shouldn't be) it makes a hell of a racket?

[@olec8978]

I've had 2 done over the years one sign written and one not. I'm debating sign writing my vito now but am worried that this makes it more appealing to thieves, does anyone know if this theory has been properly tested or just my paranoia? Think it looks more professional sign written but dont want to risk my gear

[@yensabi]

Olec These scumbag twats will always target a sign written van especially if it's a spark or plumbers van because they know there will be expensive tools inside which makes it worthwhile breaking in , but an unwritten van could contain anything and then they have to take a chance that if they take the time to break in and it's empty they have wasted an opportunity , so I would never get a van sign written other than to say your a fishmonger or paint and decorater ( no disrespect to painters ) but the scum wouldn't bother as they know there will be nothing of value inside......

[@muzikman2008]

I was going to get mine sign written, but i did some research and it doesn't really lead to more work by the statistics given. (google it), so i never bothered. I agree it looks better, but is also a magnet for Thieving scum and you are just telling them you have expensive power tools to steal. Play them at their own game. Im going to put a microwave sensored alarm in the back of my van that blows your ears out, flashes Red, White, Blue super bright LEDS, Siren, and a smoke bomb so they can't see what theyre doing. Luckily Iv'e not had any break ins yet, but i do feel it will come one day. Sad world.

[@rayc1503]

@@muzikman2008 if your whole van were to be taken an you reported it stolen. It should in theory be easier for it to be recovered. Insurance premiums slightly cheaper for sign written vans. I have enough repeat business for me to have advertising on the side of my van. It's a shame really because it looks a lot more professional having it.

[@robthetechie1]

Have you ever thought about leaving some power tool cases filled with sand bags in your van as a deterrent? Then if they do get in your van they’re more likely to take those and leave your other stuff

[@ped0000]

Every tool insurance I have ever looked at has written in the small print, that tools are not covered at the times people will ideally need them covering. And I'm not talking about at night. They state that you are covered whilst traveling between home and the job. Basically whilst you are sat in the van. If you get done whilst at the job tough, if you get done at the suppliers whilst picking up materials tough. They won't pay out the full cost of replacing your tools anyway because obviously your brand new replacements will be more expensive than they value your used stolen tools. I don't see the point.

[@TroyStevens90]

pedred Agree that there’s a lot of rubbish out there but in fairness Rhino covers tools kept in your van overnight and when it’s parked on your street.

[@ped0000]

@@TroyStevens90 how much you paying a year for that?

[@TroyStevens90]

pedred £2500 cover for about £60.

[@joshuafinch5539]

A cheaper idea for stopping stolen vans is a well hidden kill switch wired to the fuel pump, even with the keys the van wont run as no fuel is getting to the engine

[@muzikman2008]

Great idea might do that cheers...

[@matthewgrigg669]

I've never had an issue and hopefully never will but Ive started putting a little GPS tracker inside some of my tools just incase

[@alsanova]

Happened to my friend too. The laws really need to change, I really don't know how and what's the best solution?? Something like serial number registration and that shops which buy tools must check ownership/show as stolen, etc)??? 🤔🤔🤔

[@RT-di2cd]

Anyone know why tool & van theft has gone up so much over the past 5 years?

[@brennanmccarthy6245]

Open borders

[@1994JoeTurner]

Van manufacturers don’t care for 1 reason. Money. For every van damaged/stolen they get a sale

[@alsanova]

Oh also I've seen an advert somewhere long ago that you put hidden tracking in tool battery (modified by taking battery out) and placed along side with the tools. Dunno if that really help or does the trick? 🤔🤷‍♂️

[@mohammadayub2760]

Ford should wake up and do some thing about it

[@PJOffler]

They’re breaking in vans looking for toilet roll now

[@underwaterdick]

The reason van manufacturers don't bother with extra security measures from the factory is simple, within a very short period of release ANY common lock or securing method will be defeated. As the scumbags work out what people are fitting to their vans, they find ways around it. By the time the latest model of van was being bought by tradesmen, the criminals will already have a way to get in. The money to be made breaking into a couple of vans a day/week makes it well worth them finding better and faster methods of breaking in. The only way to stay as secure as possible is to constantly buy the latest "new" security products and keep upgrading. Try to stay ahead of the clever criminals. But, as you said, they will just take the van if they want what's in it. Sadly, vans like yours are easier to target because of the signwriting, they can observe your movements, what work you do and what tools you have. It gives them the opportunity to know where you live, or a particular job might be, and target you specifically. Insurance is a necessity as a final protection measure, it is crazy to think that people would have thousands or tens of thousands of pounds worth of tools, test equipment, stock and other equipment in a van that is insured, but leave the contents without any. I wish these criminals could be stung like a tradesperson is, where they lose their ability to make income, their investment and their possessions. Instead, it is too difficult to prosecute and they get away with it, if they are even found in the first place. Eye for an eye when it comes to theft IMO. When they least expect it.

[@philipsmith0752]

good advice Nick . is the child seat for Ad ?

[@reececrook9390]

There’s always that they’ll do anything to get what they want, I just brought my self a stack box with wheels and take it indoors every night which can be a pain!

[@stevehenke678]

The police are only interested in easy convictions, if your van gets robbed the police aren't interested. Too much work, little chance of a prosecution.

[@nigelbrooks803]

i take on board everything you are saying, however, at the at the start of your videos it would be good i believe for you to say whether or not the items you are talking about are gifts to you or you have paid for them in full and you still rate them. sorry to cast doubt on your sincerity, but i hope you can see the position we are all in when deciding to spend yet more money on something that someone thinks is a brilliant solution to a problem. i have instigated a couple of measures including 'smartwater' i dont hear much on these sites about that, what do you think, have i wasted m,ore money.

[@stephencoulthard1718]

Has anybody tried Milwaukee onekey? Also can get a smoke device fitted to van very good. Or perimeter detection on driveway good too :)

[@stephencoulthard1718]

@@adamdavis2788 yes but any tool speaks to any app so it you have app and walk past a tool they talk :)

[@leonblittle226]

The people who rob the vans need to get hurt, it's that simple. Then they don't come back. I know of one guy who wasn't a saint himself but he caught them breaking into his van (not the first time), one ran off but that may of been because the other one got a claw hammer across the head, but that wasn't the end of it. The thief was put in the van now semi-concious driven over 20 miles away and dumped in the middle of the countryside with no shoes or trousers, his hands cable-tied behind his back and the handle off something stuff up his arse. The van apparently wasn't seen again, it's owner shall we say was possibly irish......... like I said "wasn't a saint himself"

[@arthurdaily4930]

Nick, give ProtectAVan from West Horndon a call. They sell the GENUINE lock bezels that Ford now fit on the production line.Not a sponsor but Tony is a great chap.. Some of the imitations are not worth fitting.

[@nicpye248]

You haven’t put the link to the podcast in the description.

[@NBundyElectrical]

Done cheers 👍

[@zeljomirtanackovic1529]

Again, I do blame Police, the know exactly where the tools end up, I am not police officer and I know where all our tools end up, check car boot sale around your area, check any flee markets and when you find people selling vans full of tools or just power tools stop them. Unless they got proof that is legally obtained take the stuff from them. They could more by issuing fines to organisers if they let tools sale goes on unchecked. I am pissed my van got broken into and I got cleaned early December and I blame all police, government and justice system, these institutions treat van breaking as petty crime and criminals usually getting just slap on the wrist. So I personally blame police.

[@marchenderson8165]

I take powertools out and expensive gear every night, I think its worth the extra 5 mins

[@matthewcrowther]

wheres the tough mudder details ?

[@petechatten-berry1865]

Great video Nick. Sadly this is the case for a lot of van owners. My van got the drivers door trashed with them trying to get in. They gave up but only after £3k worth of damage. CCTV in the van caught the 4 blokes in the act. Full HD footage of their faces and even the registration of the car they drove. The police traced the car and the owner was the guy in the video but no charges were brought against him as he was 'just the driver' - yes, that was the official Police response. On another note, I am a firefighter and a huge number of fire stations are being broken into to steal the cutting equipment we use in RTCs to steal vans. No locks are strong enough to defend against this. The police do not have the resources to investigate this due to cut backs. It's a no win situation sadly.

[@Tomoose1985]

Can't see the GoFundMe link?

[@ghspaelectricalservices9296]

Nice idea that app, and tool insurance is essential

[@richardday2893]

Anybody who has bought second hand tools ( including me), are as guilty as the thieves..

[@williamarmstrong7199]

Would something like "smart water" on the tools help find them again? Frequently police find large stocks of tools which they believe are stolen but without proof they have to give them back. Engraving your tools might be an idea too. Facebook Marketplace is a frequent place for the disposal of stolen tools.

[@seanmcgrath9167]

doing yourself no favours with the sign writing. i know you may think it brings in work and looks good but do a survey of just how many people find you down to the signage?? i did and it was nil. ...basically you are telling them what you have......most plumbers and sparks i know have gone incognito.....plane vans..........its a sign of the times........pardon the pun.

[@jezjez3056]

Also pop a conduit box lid with security self tappers over the plug in port by your right knee.

[@yensabi]

Jez Jez ....I cut mine off and fitted assorted bullet connectors to the plug and wiring loom so it can be re fitted for scanning.....👍

[@knightstemplar8379]

Take my expensive tools in and leave the van open, well the back of the van..

[@alexcantley9137]

When they get in lock it and drive to the police station or stop at a dock take the handbrake off and push it in then claim insurance

[@jamesdevlin3892]

Garage

[@ElectroSwingable]

Nice one

[@bp9854]

empty your van of expensive tools on a night. simples.

[@glynowen1349]

Got mine done outside b and q.

[@fugglestick]

Great vid but those feckin ads ....

[@neilwright4515]

Great vid mate .....but what's with the Hitler Tash.......😏

[@jrsuk1170]

Lol I didn't notice 🤣🤣😂

[@r13gbs]

Glad to see youve got Adams PPE seat with you 😂😂 On a serious note sign writing is not alway a good thing on a van and it shunts your insurance up.

[@mowcius]

It's a toss up between advertising of your trade, and advertising that you've got a van full of stuff to steal.

[@r13gbs]

@@mowcius Thats what i mean ,the scroats aren't going to get the cordless grinder out to rip a hole in "Janes Butty van" when they can jemmy a Transit full of Milwaukee and Dewalt

[@mowcius]

@@r13gbs So what you're saying is that all electricians should get "Jane's Butty Van" written on the side? "No sandwiches left in this vehicle overnight"

[@r13gbs]

@@mowcius Could be a plan that,,Im also saying that insuring a sign written van is a bigger premium than a non written van

[@cottonlung]

@@mowcius private ambulance is better 😊