North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Minimise risking losing your tools
Hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of hand and power tools are reported stolen annually in the Waitemata District.
Theft of tools is becoming a common problem, whether taken from construction sites, trade vehicles or garden sheds.
A large amount of power tools are stolen from residential garden sheds including many builders’ vehicles which are broken into and tools stolen. A number of trailers are also stolen. Police believe that the perpetrators are well organised and actively target worksites, trade vehicles and residential properties that are not well secured. The majority of the stolen property is not recovered.
Theft from trade vehicles is becoming a common problem but very few trade vehicles are adequately secured. Many trade vehicles are broken into on the street and up residential driveways. Some vehicles have tools stolen from them whilst on worksites. Very few trade vehicles are equipped with alarms including motion and glass break detectors or secure tool lock boxes, and many of the residential garden sheds are not adequately secured or locked. On construction sites, containers are normally considered ideal for site tool and equipment lock ups; however, these containers are only as good as their locks and any surrounding security.
For tradespeople it is certainly worth investing in extra security for vehicles. Insurance claim deductibles for commercial tool thefts are about $1000 so many thefts are simply not claimed for. Investment in secure Lock Boxes fixed to the vehicle, combined with vehicle motion and glass break detectors, are worthwhile security for tools. Most trade vehicles have factory immobilisers preventing the vehicle being stolen, but this does not protect the vehicle contents.
Power tools will often have serial numbers that should be recorded. Better still, a covert form of identification like a forensic property marking such as offered by SelectaDNA selectadna.co.nz. The installation of unique identifiers on power tools is more robust as serial numbers can be removed. SelectaDNA is a marking system, similar to data dots. Police are equipped with special lights that can identify if property is marked.
Being able to positively identify stolen property in the possession of someone else then allows Police to track down the owner and charge the suspect. Without any form of property identification the police’s job is that much harder and often the offender cannot be charged. SNAP (Serial Number Action Partnership) is an initiative of the NZ Police where you can register your property serial numbers and provide these to the police if the items are stolen. This is a free service and ensures if you can instantly retrieve your asset list details if required and makes it harder for criminals to sell stolen goods. Record the serial numbers at snap.org.nz
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