By Tanya Faulkner
Smashed windows and missing tools were the scene of a recent crime in Cockatoo.
Several reports of tool thefts have come up across the wider Dandenong Ranges; the most recent being two separate incidents in Cockatoo.
At both instances, vehicles were broken into, one with its windows completely smashed, and the owners saying all of their tools had been stolen, including their tool boxes, Milwaukee tools, and a blower.
Another incident on Joffre parade saw two vehicles raided and thousands of dollars worth of tools stolen.
According to RACV, these thefts are one of many across the state, with over 29,000 tools stolen in the 12 months to March 2023, according to the Crime Statistics Agency.
RACV said tools are a prime target for thieves, because they’re high value and easily portable.
RACV General Manager Home Portfolio, Darren Turner, says there are a few practical measures you can take to make your tools less attractive to thieves.
“In your car, store tools in a heavy-duty truck bed or portable toolbox with a strong padlock.
“If your toolbox is portable, fix it to your vehicle with a hardened steel security chain,” says Mr Turner.
Mr Turner said clear marking or engraving of your ID details on tools will make it much harder for thieves to resell and easier for tradies to recover.
RACV also recommends adding small GPS trackers to your high-value tools, so you can track their live location on a linked smartphone app.
When it comes to protecting tools, Mr Turner said tradies need to be sure they have the right insurance for their tools to help reduce the inconvenience and cost of replacing them.
“To ensure that tools are adequately covered and to help police recover stolen items, keep a complete inventory of their makes, models and serial numbers recorded.
“Make sure you declare the accurate value of your items to avoid underinsurance.
“Having clear photographs of your tools will also help the police,” he said.
For more information on insurance cover specifically for tradies, visit racv.com.au
