The holiday period is a time when thefts occur more frequently than other time of the year. While we’re away enjoying a well earned break, thieves can take advantage of empty homes, closed work places and unattended vehicles.
According to IAG claims data, tools are one of the most frequently stolen items during the holiday period – if your livelihood relies on these tools, having them pinched could make for a very bad start to the New Year. Here are a few things you can do to minimise the risk.
Lock them up
It’s more likely that your stuff will get pinched if thieves are given an opportunity – especially if you store your gear in your vehicle. If your equipment is well secured, thieves are more likely to move on to easier pickings. If you’re keeping tools in your vehicle, secure tool boxes to your ute tray and install solid locks. If you keep large equipment in your vehicle that can’t be stored in a box, consider chaining them to the vehicle with a solid padlock.
Keep tools out of sight
If you’re heading away for the holidays and leaving your work vehicle at home, keep it in the shed if you’ve got one - if you don’t, park your car off the street.
ID your equipment
Engraving a special marking on your tools will make them harder for thieves to sell on and easier for police to recover. Engraving your drivers’ licence number on your tools will make you easy to find if the police recover stolen tools.
Keep a list of all your tools, from your most expensive down to every drill bit and screwdriver. Recording serial numbers and taking photos of your gear will help if you need to make an insurance claim. Try and keep receipts, owner’s manuals etc too – these will help get your claim processed as quickly as possible.
The New Zealand Police have created a free online asset list tool where you can store serial numbers and asset lists and access them from anywhere, anytime. Check out snap.org.nz.
Make sure you’re insured
Tools are integral to many people’s jobs and income, so it’s a good idea to make sure they’re properly insured. If you’re not already covered through NZI, have a chat to your broker to make sure you are.