Traders Need to Watch Their Kit As Clocks Go Back

It’s that time of year again, when Britain changes its clocks because someone at the War Office thought it was a good idea back in 1915.

The downside is dark afternoons offer extra opportunities for rogues and thieves to nick all sorts of stuff. Here’s some useful advice for traders from NFU Mutual;

Tradespeople are being urged to tighten security measures to avoid becoming victims of theft as criminals look to use the upcoming earlier cover of darkness to steal from sites.

With the clocks going back on Sunday, October 27, NFU Mutual has highlighted the risks that can come with dark winter nights and fewer people about.

Research earlier this year from the commercial insurer revealed more than nine in 10 tradespeople said they or someone they know had been a victim of theft, with 88% concerned about the ongoing issue.

In the last 12 months alone, 53% of those surveyed said they had experienced tool or equipment theft, just shy of half had materials taken and almost three in 10 had a vehicle stolen.

Thieves can use the cover of darkness to go undetected at sites or on driveways, prompting advice from NFU Mutual.

Zoe Knight, Head of Commercial at NFU Mutual, said: “Theft of tradespeople’s tools or equipment continues to hit the industry hard and the fact 92% of people surveyed say they or someone they know have been a victim speaks volumes.

“It’s therefore even more important as the nights draw in and darkness arrives earlier for tradespeople to do all they can to reduce the risk – whether that be via security measures or recording serial numbers of equipment, there are steps that can be taken to prevent being hit by crime.

“Workers rely on their equipment for their income and livelihood so theft not only will hit their pocket, but it will also have a negative impact on their life and mental health. It’s important to follow the below steps all year round, but especially in the coming months.”

NFU Mutual Risk Management Services is sharing the following advice to tradespeople:

• Minimise storage of tools and equipment in vans: a robust, lockable building is preferable. Consider intruder alarms for high value equipment.
• If you have to leave tools and equipment in a van, make sure it’s alarmed and, as a minimum, park against a wall so that doors cannot be opened easily.
• Don’t make it easy for thieves to guess that equipment is kept inside (a van or a building) e.g. by leaving items on display and leaving tools around which may assist an intruder.
• Store portable items within a robust, lockable store that is fixed in place.
• Restrict and control vehicular access to the work site.
• Consider video security system (temporary systems and temporary intruder alarm systems are available for site use).
• Security mark your tools and equipment (e.g. forensic, engraving or permanent marking) to deter thieves and aid recovery.
• Don’t stockpile high value materials such as lead and copper or leave them around for longer than necessary.
• For construction vehicles use CESAR marking, tracking and immobilisation to prevent and trace thieves.
• Check all locks and security measures before leaving any site e.g. alarms switched on, cameras facing the right direction and security lights working.

For quality trades insurance to suit all sizes, search NFU Mutual Builders and Trades Insurance at www.nfumutual.co.uk/trades-insurance/.