I have always spoken about vehicle security to stop your vehicle or your belongings from being targeted for property crime.
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One of the hot items which always seem to be targeted are power tools.
This does not only occur due to complacency in vehicle security but also complacency on the construction sites too.
All too often reports are taken about the theft of power tools and when asked about how secure they were, the answers are similar to "They were just left in the tray" or "I just left them on site as I was coming back the next day".
It is this complacency which offenders love to take advantage of.
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So here are a few tips which hopefully will assist in not letting these tools getting their hands on your tools.
Give your tools an ugly makeover - Thieves don't steal tools they can't sell and they certainly don't want ugly tools that can be traced because of their unique look.
Engrave personal information right on the tool - Just like an ugly paint job, marking and engraving a tool lowers the tools' resale value and increases the risk of arrest to the thief.
Remove batteries and charger - Used battery-powered tools sell for much less if they don't include the battery and charger.
Lock them up in a secure cabinet - Tool thieves know they have a limited time to break in and scoop up your tools. Your job is to make them spend more time, make more noise and break a sweat if they want to get their mitts on your tools.
Lock them up with security chain - Cheap padlocks and aircraft cable locks can be defeated easily with a bolt cutter. But hardened-steel security chain and high-quality padlocks provide much better protection.
Invest in lockable power tools with apps - The newest professional power tools can be disabled though a smartphone app. Once locked, the tool is worthless.
Add GPS trackers to your tools - Several companies make GPS tracking devices. They attach to your power tools with epoxy, screws or rivets.
Add interior deadbolts to your work truck - Factory door lock cylinders attach to the door sheet metal with just a spring clip. Even a novice crook can pop those out in a few seconds. But interior sliding deadbolts make the job much harder to defeat.
Prevent trailer theft - Slap on a trailer wheel lock. If you're parking your trailer at the job site invest in a heavy-duty job box - A heavy-duty job box is perfect for storing tools at the job site. Load in the tools and lock it up.
Add stickers and warning signs - Invest in warning signs and stickers to let thieves know that your tools and vehicles are protected by GPS trackers and alarm systems and the entire area is being monitored with surveillance cameras.
Get a truck bed toolbox - Never leave your tools in the back seat of your car or truck; they'll be gone in an instant. Instead, lock them in the trunk or protect them with a heavy-duty truck bed tool box.
Park in a well-lit area away from buildings - Tool thieves work in the dark and avoid well-lit areas. If you have a choice of parking your work truck next to a dark building or blocks away in a well-lit parking lot, choose the lot!
Hopefully we can all get on the same 'level' about securing tools and we'll be able to 'nail' it.
Remember that you can Dob in a Druggie any time you like by contacting Nowra Police on 4421 9699 or ringing Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. If it looks suss, report it. Do not drink and drive. As always, in case of emergency, call (000). Non Emergencies contact Police Assistance Line on 131444 or your local police. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Domestic and Family Violence Info visit www.police.nsw.gov.au. Shoalhaven Domestic Violence Officers. 4421 9666 or 4421 9665. Email shoaldvlo@police.nsw.gov.au
Don't forget. Cops are tops.
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