Following a series of thefts of tools from vans and outbuildings, such as sheds and garages recently, Suffolk Constabulary launched a countywide crime prevention campaign to raise awareness and reduce incidents.
The âGet Tool Smartâ campaign highlights measures that can be taken by the public to protect themselves from this type of theft. It includes advice for van drivers on general security awareness, including where and how to park vehicles, installing additional security devices inside vans and tips on marking tools with a unique, traceable paint.
Posters are being circulated to businesses and building trade suppliers across Suffolk advising people of the scheme. Once done, a sticker, âIâm Tool Smartâ, has been produced which can be displayed on the vehicle/outbuilding, deterring offenders from stealing the marked tools.
In a bid to raise awareness of this type of theft, Safer Neighbourhood policing teams are holding a number of crime prevention âdrop-inâ sessions next week in the Bury St Edmunds area at the following business premises.
Wednesday 20th June
9:30am -10:30am â Plumbase â Moreton Hall Industrial Estate, Greyfriars Road, IP32 7DX
12:00pm -1:00pm â Screwfix â Moreton Hall Industrial Estate, Bunting Road, IP32 7BX
Thursday 21st June
9:30am – 10:30am â Kent Blaxill â Arras Road, IP33 3TX
12:00pm – 1:00pm â Screwfix â Dettingen Way, IP33 3TZ
Friday 22nd June
9:30am – 10:30am â Plumb Center â Moreton Hall Industrial Estate, Greyfriars Road, IP32 7DX
12:00pm – 1:00pm â Jewsons â Moreton Hall Industrial Estate, Cratfield Road, IP32 7DF
Officers will be available to give crime prevention advice on other new security products such as CCTV cubes which can be fitted inside vehicles to deter offences taking place.
Van owners/drivers can register their tools for free at www.immobilise.com by taking note of the serial numbers and models, and to use ultraviolet pen to (invisibly) mark their property, which increases the chances of having them returned in the event of being lost or stolen.
Police are urging motorists to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables, no matter whether you park on, or off road. Thieves will enter private properties, public carparks and garages to look for insecure vehicles.
Van drivers should also consider the following measures to reduce the risk of being a victim of crime:
⢠Always lock all doors & shut windows, physically checking van doors are locked.
⢠Park in a garage or secure area where possible.
⢠Park with the doors against a wall.
⢠If you park on your driveway consider installing motion activated CCTV.
⢠Be particularly aware when unloading.
⢠Remove tools from the van if possible.
⢠To increase the security of tools, you can bolt either a cage or box to the base of the van which should be secured with a sturdy close shackle padlock to reduce and deter further incidents.
⢠Setting an alarm or immobiliser will make it more difficult for the offender.
⢠Consider upgrading locks/fitting additional protection.
⢠Information on Police approved products can be found at www.securedbydesign.com
If you are offered tools in suspicious circumstances, please do not buy them and let police know immediately via 101. You can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For further crime prevention advice visit: http://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/roads-and-vehicles/tool-smart and http://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/crime-prevention-z