If you want to run a successful business, insurance is a must. Choosing the appropriate level of public liability insurance, employers’ liability insurance, and professional indemnity cover will help ensure your livelihood remains protected from any potential claims.
After all, accidents and misfortune can happen to anyone, even to those on TV.
The team behind the show DIY SOS has recently become the victim of tool thieves who targeted two vans – a Peugeot and a Ford – belonging to volunteer builders working on the show. The thieves made off with an estimated £4,000 worth of tools.
The BBC programme sees a team of volunteers (made up of local tradespeople and neighbours led by presenter Nick Knowles) helping to transform the home of a family in need. On this particular occasion, the team was helping the Chambers family from West Bromwich carry out a life-changing renovation on their house. Sandra Chambers was left to care for her two grandchildren on her own in a cramped two-bedroom house after her daughter Crystal lost her battle with cancer in 2015.
Knowles tweeted out about the incident, where he confirmed that the Peugeot’s rear door had been damaged in the break-in. He also said that the break-ins meant money would need to be taken from the build to pay for security on the show.
The damaged van belonged to Karl Wildman, a bricklayer who wanted to help out after hearing Sandra Chambers’ story.
“I went back on Wednesday for the final push and I parked about 400 yards away from the house and took some tools in with me,” Wildman said. “I came back out and saw my doors were all smashed and the lock broken.”
Tool theft is on the rise in the UK. News recently broke that British van drivers have experienced a 30 per cent spike in tools theft, with London identified as the hardest hit area.
One of the major problems why thieves can be so hard to stop is because they’ve become skilled at using different criminal methods to break into vans, allowing them to commit the offence in a very short amount of time. According to a BBC spokesman, this crime probably took between 10 and 20 seconds. West Midlands Police are currently investigating the incident.
Theft can have severe repercussions for any type of business, but when it happens to a group of volunteers who are trying to do some good for their community, it’s all the more heartbreaking. Thankfully, the thieves’ despicable actions were not enough to dampen the spirits of the team. Instead, the sense of community appears to have been strengthened; Mr Wildman said a Peugeot dealership donated a van for him to use and the team has been inundated with offers to repair the van and replace the tools.
Although you can’t guarantee you and your business won’t become the victim of theft, there is a lot you can do to minimise your chances, such as parking in busy areas and assessing whether you’re able to store your tools somewhere other than your vehicle. But the vital ingredient to making sure you stay safeguarded is choosing the right form of cover. If your business heavily relies on your toolbox, which is the case for most tradesman, then tools and equipment cover should be on your list of essential insurance products right next to public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance. Plus, this type of cover could not only protect you from theft but also from loss and damage (usually covering a maximum sum of £5,000).
Don’t let criminals ruin the important work you do for others. Protect your business with Tredstone today.