Residents and business owners in The Chalfonts are being advised to guard against tool theft after a spike in similar crimes across the region.
The community safety team for Chiltern and South Bucks have offered crime prevention advice as they say it can have a “devastating effect” particularly on small businesses.
To help avoid becoming a victim they suggest tools are stored sensibly – the harder your tools are to get to, the less likely thieves are to make off with them. It’s best to take your tools in from your van overnight; it may be the last thing you want to do after a day’s work but losing your tools would be worse.
Park for prevention – If you can’t bring your tools in overnight, or will be leaving your van unattended for a prolonged period during the day, it’s a good idea to park in a way that will prevent or deter thieves from getting easy access to the doors or try to park in a busy, well-lit area, preferably in view of CCTV cameras.
Check your insurance – If you don’t have tools insurance as part of your insurance policy, think about adding it in. It can help pay for the cost of replacing your tools should they be stolen.
Finally they advise to mark and record your tools, a service offered for free by Thames Valley Police by calling 101.
The community safety team said: “Unfortunately there has been a spike in tool theft in our area.
“This crime can have a devastating effect on a business, not only in lost time and income but also in the outlay for new tools and the associated time loss to source them.
“Often criminals are opportunists and will take advantage if they see an easy steal. Prevention is better than cure.”
For more crime prevention advice follow the community safety team on Twitter @csafetycdcsbdc
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