A whopping $500,000 worth of power tools were stolen from cars, trailers and shops in the suburbs of Melbourne earlier in the year. The culprits - a 33-year-old man and a 28-year-old - were two everyday Joes, unsuspected by all. Tradies across Melbourne cursed the loss of their expensive tools and lost wages.
Don’t be like these guys! Tools stolen from the job site cost Aussie tradies millions each year.
Most tool thefts are opportunistic - a passerby will notice that your canopy looks easy to get into and help themselves to a lovely new angle grinder or cordless drill. No one wants to see their tools of the trade on Facebook Marketplace the next day.
Say no to stolen tools. Here are our top tips for tool theft prevention.
1. Label your tools
Engraving your name or business name on your tools makes them less appealing to potential thieves, who will then have a much harder time reselling them. If the police seize your missing tools, you’ll also be able to reclaim them.
2. Lock those bad boys up
How do you stop someone from stealing your tools? The number one way to prevent your tools from being stolen is, of course, to lock them up! We recommend a sleek and secure Whale Tail Lock. These locks work great on utes, trailers, camper trailers, service vehicles and tool boxes. They look suave and can be installed easily. Even better, they are on sale!
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3. Make ‘em ugly
Signature brand colours like Bosch blue, Milwaukee Red and Makita blue, as well as prominent brand names, can catch the eye of those up to no good. Believe it or not, some extra vigilant tradies give their tools a make-under. Spray your tools with a fluro spray paint, for instance, to roughen up their appearance.
4. Remove batteries and chargers
Tools that aren’t intact with batteries and chargers go for much less if sold. Keeping batteries and chargers somewhere else will make them much less desirable to thieves.
5. Install security
If you’re dealing with lots of expensive tools in a busy area, it could be worth your while to go that extra mile and install security. There are various alarms for your vehicle now available, as well as portable security cameras. Many cameras can be controlled remotely with a mobile app, so they are super easy. GPS tool trackers are also an option.
Keep your tools safe, after all, if you're a tradie you rely on your tools to earn a living.
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