The Elmbridge Community Safety Partnership has warned that the theft of equipment from trade vehicles parked close to properties being renovated is a "growing problem" in the borough.
Thieves are now targeting tradesmen's vehicles in Elmbridge at their place of work, the borough's community safety partnership has warned.
The organisation described the theft of equipment from vehicles close to properties being renovated as a"growing problem".
The thefts, it added, are primarily taking place during daytime hours, while workers are busy inside the properties.
Elmbridge Community Safety Partnership manager Peter Kipps said: “Tradespeople have suffered from thefts from their vehicles for some time and many now remove items when parking vehicles overnight.
“The thieves are now changing their tactics and targeting them at the place of work.
“It’s fairly easy to spot premises under renovation and building sites and keep an eye out for when people such as electricians carpenters and plumbers are working.
“Police Community Support Officers are handing out warning flyers when on patrol and we have requested Check a Trader to issue reminders to their members.
“However, it’s not just the builders who live locally that this will effect so everyone who employs a tradesperson can do their part by at least reminding those people who are working for them that added security measures need to be considered.”
The community safety partnership has issued the following security advice for workers:
- Whenever possible, any tools required should be offloaded from vehicles and taken into the property rather than being left in the vehicle and taken out as and when required.
- 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 drive way will make the rear doors less accessible.
Parking alongside a wall, hedge or other vehicle will prevent access to a side of the vehicle and reduce the opportunity for a forced entry.
Thieves are now targeting tradesmen's vehicles in Elmbridge at their place of work, the borough's community safety partnership has warned.
The organisation described the theft of equipment from vehicles close to properties being renovated as a"growing problem".
The thefts, it added, are primarily taking place during daytime hours, while workers are busy inside the properties.
Elmbridge Community Safety Partnership manager Peter Kipps said: “Tradespeople have suffered from thefts from their vehicles for some time and many now remove items when parking vehicles overnight.
“The thieves are now changing their tactics and targeting them at the place of work.
“It’s fairly easy to spot premises under renovation and building sites and keep an eye out for when people such as electricians carpenters and plumbers are working.
“Police Community Support Officers are handing out warning flyers when on patrol and we have requested Check a Trader to issue reminders to their members.
“However, it’s not just the builders who live locally that this will effect so everyone who employs a tradesperson can do their part by at least reminding those people who are working for them that added security measures need to be considered.”
The community safety partnership has issued the following security advice for workers:
- Whenever possible, any tools required should be offloaded from vehicles and taken into the property rather than being left in the vehicle and taken out as and when required.
- 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 drive way will make the rear doors less accessible.
Parking alongside a wall, hedge or other vehicle will prevent access to a side of the vehicle and reduce the opportunity for a forced entry.
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