A message from Peter Kipps, Community Safety Partnership Manager at Elmbridge Borough Council.
The Elmbridge Community Safety Partnership is warning traders about a growing problem within the borough – theft of equipment from vehicles parked at properties being renovated. The thefts are primarily taking place during the day while workers are busy inside the properties.
The Partnership advises that, whenever possible, any tools required should be taken into the property rather than left in the vehicle and taken out only when needed. Other tips:
- Lock your vehicle and keep the keys with you whenever you leave it, even if only for a few minutes
- Fit and use an alarm system
- Security mark all your tools so they can be identified
- Consider where and how you park your vehicle. Reversing into a driveway will make the rear doors less accessible; parking alongside a wall, hedge or other vehicle will prevent access to the side of your vehicle and reduce the opportunity for a forced entry
Many trades people now remove items when parking vehicles overnight so the thieves are starting to target them at their place of work. Policy Community Support Officers are handing out warning flyers and the Partnerhip has requested Check-a-Trade to issue reminders to their members. However, it’s not just local builders who will be affected so everyone who employs a tradesperson can do their part by reminding those who are working for them that added security measures need to be considered.
Peter Kipps, pkipps@elmbridge.gov.uk, tel. 01372 474399
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