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Tool theft targeting trade vans and construction sites is a serious challenge across Tipton, Great Bridge, and Princes End. Here are some tips to keep your van tools safe. Understand Local Thief Tactics According to WMP alerts for the DY4 postcode, tool thieves rely on quick, aggressive methods to clear out a van: "Peel and Steal": Criminals use their body weight or a crowbar to grab the top of a side or rear van door, peeling it downward to bypass internal locks entirely.Relay Scanning: For vans with keyless entry fobs, thieves use signal-boosting electronic boxes from outside your house to clone the key's signal from inside, unlocking the vehicle seamlessly.Shearing/Drilling: Attackers drill precise holes into the side-loading door to manually sever the internal locking cables. Upgrade Mechanical & Physical Van Security Standard factory van locks are rarely enough to stop determined thieves. WMP strongly advises installing aftermarket physical security: Double Deadlocks & Slam locks: Fit mechanical deadlocks independent of the manufacturer's system. Slam locks are highly effective for couriers or multiple drop-offs, locking the door automatically the second it shuts.Internal Van Vaults: Invest in a heavy-duty, police-approved lockable cabinet (certified by Sold Secure Gold or Secured by Design) and bolt it directly to the chassis floor.Pedal Boxes: Place a high-visibility security box over the van’s pedals overnight to prevent the vehicle itself from being driven away. Park with Defensive Purpose Block the Doors: When parking on your driveway or at local job sites, always reverse tightly against a solid brick wall, garage door, or fence. This physically blocks the rear and side doors from being peeled or opened.Protect Keyless Fobs: The moment you walk inside your house, drop your electronic fobs into a tested Faraday bag. Store it deep inside the house, completely away from your front door or windows where thieves can pick up the signal.Signs and stickers: Display a highly visible sticker stating, “No tools left in this van overnight”. Even if you do leave some secured items, it forces a thief to think twice about whether the risk is worth the reward. 4. Forensic Marking & Asset Inventories If your tools are stolen, having a digital record and forensic tracking makes it incredibly difficult for thieves to resell them at local markets or online platforms: Forensic DNA Kits: Coat your power tools with advanced micro-dot solutions like Selecta DNA or Smart Water. These solutions contain a unique chemical code registered to you, which police instantly scan for during raids.Visible Engraving: Scratch or engrave your business name, phone number, or postcode directly into the plastic casing of your tools. This severely reduces their resale value on the black market.The Immobilise Register: Keep a comprehensive log containing photos, serial numbers, and purchase receipts. Register them for free on the Immobilise National Property Register. When WMP recovers stolen stashes in Sandwell, they scan this database to return tools to their rightful owners. Thank you from Tipton police station. | 
