Tool Theft

Tool theft is a problem. Here are some measures that can prevent it in some cases.

• Burn your postcode into plastic handles very deeply using a soldering iron.

• Dip tool handles into a tasteless and thus uncommon colour of gloss paint.

• Use a 'no tools left on vehicle at night' sign.

• Carry some very old, very tatty or cheapskate tools among your toolbox, and arrange so these are the most visible items.

• Use a toolbox that suggests not enough money to buy a new box or good tools. It might for example be in visibly poor condition, or evidently repaired when most would buy a new one.

• Use a UV visible marker to mark tools and other goods.

• Display a neighbourhood watch sign in your window.

• Display a 'goods security marked' sign in your window.

• Record make, model & serial number of power tools, this increases chances of police recovery & successful prosecution.

• Spread the tools out one sunny day and take a photograph of them with a camera. Helps in remembering the usual content of the box, records any particular marks etc on the tools, and provides evidence of ownership of those tools.

• Never leave tools unattended outdoors. It may be obvious, but it still happens, and is asking for trouble. Insurance is unlikely to pay out on such losses.

• Bring your house security upto a good standard to discourage burglaries.

• Avoid having expensive tools visible through the window from outside whereever they are being stored or used; be that your workshop, vehicle, or an unattended property.