For tradespeople, a work vehicle is much more than just a means of transportation. Your vehicle must do triple-duty as a tool locker, parts repository, and on-the-go office as well. While it's undeniably convenient to have everything you need on hand, this also leaves you vulnerable to break-ins and theft.
For that reason, you must do everything you can to boost the security of your work vehicle. A well-secured work truck or van will help to protect your valuable investments while ensuring that you can continue to do business uninterrupted. This article will educate you about three effective ways to improve your work vehicle's security.
1. Keep Toolboxes Locked
Virtually every work vehicle in the country contains one or more toolboxes. Work trucks often contain built-in saddle boxes or chests. In addition, most workers possess several portable toolboxes for carting frequently used items to and from work sites. Unfortunately, all of these tool repositories present serious security issues if not kept properly locked.
While it may be inconvenient to lock your toolbox after every use, this simple measure will drastically reduce opportunistic thefts. Built-in toolboxes simply require a lock on their top face. Portable utility boxes, on the other hand, can benefit from both top locks and a locking system that attaches the entire box to your vehicle, thus preventing criminals from walking away with an entire toolbox.
2. Invest in a Quality Alarm System
Good security doesn't stop at the toolbox. Tradespeople who are serious about preventing theft must also consider investing in a decent alarm system for their vehicle. Alarms can successfully augment the security of both vans and trucks, although it can be admittedly more difficult to alarm a truck, since would-be thieves already have much easier access to your truck bed.
Yet built-in toolboxes can be wired with ear-piercing alarms. You can also invest in toolbox alarms that will alert you wirelessly in the event that somebody manages to compromise the lock. Door alarms offer similar benefits if you own a work van, adding an extra deterrent in the event that somebody forces the lock.
You should also strongly consider adding a wireless alarm system at your work truck's home base. Such alarm systems utilize motion detectors placed on your work vehicle. These detectors communicate with the base station located nearby. In the event that the motion sensor's optical or heat beam is interrupted, an alarm — either aural, wireless, or both — will immediately go off.
3. Mark Your Most Precious Tools With a UV Pen
Not all of your tools will fit into a locking toolbox. Even those that do may be overlooked from time to time, leaving them vulnerable to theft. Moreover, you can't always ensure ideal security while on a job site — especially if it happens to be located outdoors or in a particularly busy urban area.
Yet you can still protect yourself in the long run by tagging your most important tools with a UV marker. The ink in these incredible markers leaves a permanent mark on the tool — yet one that cannot be seen except underneath a black light. As a result, thieves will remain ignorant about the fact that your tools have been marked with personal information.
When those tools end up at pawnshops or other second-hand stores — or when those thieves end up getting caught by the police — you'll have an easy way to prove that you are the rightful owner of those tools.
For more information on how to keep your work tools safe and your work truck secure, don't hesitate to contact the expertsat Diamond Truck Body Manufacturing.
