[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=”container”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Whether you\u2019ve just treated yourself to some new tools, or you\u2019re keen to hang on to your tried and tested set, it\u2019s not ideal if any of your gear goes missing. Even worse if your prized wheels end up in the same boat. So what can you do to make sure your tools are protected? And how can you prevent opportunist thieves breaking into your truck? Here are some tips to protect your most prized possessions.<\/p>\n

Protecting your tools<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Even if they have no idea how to use the damn things, people still know value when they see it in your tools. Especially during lower economic times like these, they won\u2019t think twice about taking an opportunity. So let\u2019s not give them one.<\/p>\n

Out of sight, out of mind<\/strong><\/p>\n

Make sure that wherever you\u2019re storing your tools, they\u2019re kept as well-hidden as possible. If they\u2019re in your truck, chuck a blanket over them. If they\u2019re in your garage or shed, make sure it\u2019s locked and they\u2019re hidden from view through any windows or doors. Even if your garage door is only open for a second, someone walking by can see what you\u2019ve got on offer and might remember it for future opportunities.<\/p>\n

Get etching<\/strong><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve said this before and we\u2019ll say it again – one of the best things you can do to protect your tools from theft, or at least recover them easily if they\u2019ve been stolen, is to engrave them. It doesn\u2019t have to be your entire personal data set, just your initials or a symbol that\u2019s easily recognisable will do. It\u2019s much harder for thieves to hock tools that have someone\u2019s name or number etched into it as it\u2019s a pretty obvious giveaway, so they\u2019ll definitely think twice.<\/p>\n

Keep a record<\/strong><\/p>\n

If your tools do get stolen, etching and all, it can be tricky to remember just what you had in your toolbox come claim time. By keeping a record of everything you\u2019ve purchased, including serial numbers and receipts, you\u2019ll have a much better time of it when you need to have them replaced. Include as much detail as you can, with photos of each tool – although it seems time-consuming, it\u2019s much better to do it now to save you further hassles down the track.<\/p>\n

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Protecting your wheels<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Sometimes people will break windows and steal your ride, and there\u2019s just not a lot you can do about it. But minimising the chances of that happening will make a huge difference.<\/p>\n

Make parking a priority<\/strong><\/p>\n

We know it\u2019s not always easy to find that prime parking spot for your truck, but there are a few important considerations you can make when parking that will help deter wannabe thieves. Try to pick a space that would make it difficult to get in and out – you\u2019ll definitely notice someone trying to make a getaway if they hit a fence in the process! Whenever you\u2019re not working, keep your truck parked in a locked garage, or as close to your home as possible. Parking halfway down your street in a dimly lit area is not ideal.<\/p>\n

Invest in some tech<\/strong><\/p>\n

An alarm won\u2019t physically stop someone making away with your vehicle, but it is a pretty good deterrent. Get one that has the full package with loud sirens, flashing lights, whatever will draw the most attention – just try not to accidentally set it off yourself…Getting a GPS tracker will also take your vehicle security to the next level. It\u2019s not exactly cheap, but if it helps the police catch those sons o\u2019 guns who took your wheels, then it\u2019ll all be worth it!<\/p>\n

Get insured<\/strong><\/p>\n

You knew this one was coming, right? There\u2019s not a lot you can do if your truck (or your tools) get stolen and you don\u2019t have insurance, so it\u2019s kind of a no-brainer. If you need to get tool or vehicle insurance sorted, or you just want to have a nosey to see if you can get a better deal, come and chat to the team at Cactus<\/a>. Because we\u2019re run by tradies, we know exactly what you need and we won\u2019t try and fleece you in the process![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”related-post”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Related articles” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%2313143e” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”title my-5″][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”4″ element_width=”3″ orderby=”rand” item=”918″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1601344293277-15d38d88-18af-2″ el_class=”related-posts mx-auto mt-3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=”container”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Whether you\u2019ve just treated yourself to some new tools, or you\u2019re keen to hang on to your tried and tested set, it\u2019s not ideal if any of your gear goes missing. Even worse if your prized wheels end up in the same boat. So what can you do to make sure your tools are […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3873,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3870","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insurance"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n