URGENT SECURITY WARNING AS NINE IN TEN TRADESPEOPLE SUFFER THEFT
- Tradespeople given advice to step up security after spate of construction thefts
- Almost nine in 10 (89%) tradespeople have been victims of theft, NFU Mutual study finds
- Security measures urged with thefts from vehicles a common theme in the industry
- Advice comes as Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill makes progress
An insurer of tradespeople has issued key advice following a recent rise in construction site thefts.
NFU Mutual is urging those in the industry to remain vigilant as the insurer’s latest research* found that almost nine in 10 (89%) tradespeople and contractors have been victims of theft.
The rising numbers of crimes at construction sites continues to blight those in the industry, with 55% of those surveyed saying a loss of income was the largest impact, extra costs to replace or hire new kit (43%) was next and over a third (34%) revealed theft had affected their mental health.
As well as giving advice and paying claims, since 2010 NFU Mutual has funded a dedicated vehicle theft unit which shares intelligence, delivers training, and works with police forces across the country and overseas to seize millions of pounds of stolen machinery. The unit, which is now part of the new National Construction and Agriculture Theft Team (NCATT), is responding to thefts which are hitting both sole traders and large construction firms.
NFU Mutual has also worked closely with partners on the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill. The Bill, which gained Royal Assent in the summer, gives the Home Secretary wider powers to make regulations that will deter the theft and resale of quad bikes and ATVs through forensic marking, immobilisation and registering owner details. It is now hoped that secondary legislation will be passed to widen the scope and equipment included to protect against construction and trade theft.
Having an accurate record and knowing what you own, is one of the key measures that can help police trace items back to their owners and prosecute thieves. However, less than half of tradespeople surveyed (43%) didn’t have a full list or know the value of their property, while 78% admitted to leaving machinery and tools in a vehicle overnight. Nearly six in ten experienced theft from their vehicles and over half (55%) experienced theft of their items from a building site.
With these figures a stark reminder to tradespeople of the dangers around valuables on site, NFU Mutual has issued a number of key advice points:
- Minimise storage of tools and equipment in vans: a robust, lockable building is preferable with locks which comply with BS3621 where possible. 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.
- Secure free-standing equipment to fixed point even if within a building e.g. eye bolt in concrete floor with chain and robust padlock. (e.g. At least 10mm thickness chain and security grade 5 padlock).
- 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.
Zoe Knight, Commercial Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Following on from our recent survey into trade theft, we are publishing the above advice as criminals continue to target tradespeople.
“Security for your tools, equipment and goods is so important and the steps above are a big step to protecting yourself in a bid to prevent the worst from happening.”
“With the winter months approaching and darker nights drawing in, criminals will work under the cover of darkness to target those who don’t secure their goods or who make it easier to get away with their crimes.”
“Our previous report found the huge impact thefts can have on tradespeople – be it professionally, financially or mentally, so we would urge everyone, where possible, to follow the above advice.”
Find out more about NFU Mutual’s tradespeople insurance at https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/small-and-medium-business-insurance/tradesman-insurance/
