16 Jun Beware of this criminal craze that could cost you your tools and van

Beware of this criminal craze that could cost you your tools and van

Tradesmen are being targeted by thieves who’re using a new method of breaking into vans, known as the “peel and steal” method.

Thieves targeting vans have done away with lock picks and have instead opted for using brute force to pry open the doors. CCTV footage has been released showing this new technique that is putting tradesmen at risk of losing the contents of their vans. One video shows three men using their knees to apply pressure to the sliding door of a van and then pulling it open from the top.

“People have described it as like peeling a banana or opening a tin of sardines,” said Spencer Hargrave, the owner of a building firm who, along with his business partner Paul Butterfield, is campaigning to raise awareness about this current crime craze.

Hargreaves has highlighted the advantage that the technique gives thieves and the possible reason behind why it is recurring: “It means they can go round without any tools to break into vans so if they get caught they can’t get done for being equipped,” he said.

Incidence of the crime has risen recently, with Hargrave and Butterfield estimating that five unwitting tradesmen have their vans targeted each day in the UK.

A social media poll launched by Adam Smith, a landscaper from Lincoln, found that 44 per cent of the 130 “peel and steal” victims who responded owned Ford Transit vans. A spokesperson from Ford commented that, although the company was doing everything to stay one step ahead of criminals, “it is sometimes challenging to mitigate against the extreme measures thieves are taking to gain entry into a vehicle”.

If you believe your van is vulnerable to such attacks, there are a few measures you can take to ensure you stay protected.

You could try parking so that you’re the door side of your van is against a wall, making it impossible for anyone to fit between the wall and your van and pry the door open. You can also improve the strength of your doors by reinforcing them.

Remember that the greater the risk a thief has of being seen, the less likely they are going to attempt a break in, so try to park in a well-lit area that is not tucked away from public view. Try to choose somewhere with many passers-by.

If you’re able to, try not to store valuable goods in the van and definitely make sure anything valuable is not visible through the windows.

There is one other thing that is crucial to keeping your business running smoothly: good quality insurance. With all the thieves about, it’s the one thing you can rely on it to make sure your business doesn’t suffer financially. Having goods in transit cover and tools and equipment cover will help ensure that if you do suffer a theft of some of your goods from your van, then your business won’t lose any money.

From public liability insurance to employer’s liability insurance, Tredstone can help tailor you an insurance policy so that your business is ready for anything.