August 2020

Article
Tool Security
STEPS TO TACKLING TOOL THEFT
Michael Brown, Design Director at Metal and Modular, discusses the issue of tool theft,
which can have a big impact on tradespeople, and the products available to help prevent it.
The very fact that tradespeople routinely fix
signs to their vehicles stating that ‘no tools
are left in the van overnight’ highlights how
much of an issue tool theft has become. The roofing
sector, where a roofer’s ability to do the job depends
on a range of high value tools, is no exception.
A significant issue
According to research based on figures from police
forces across the UK, tool theft from site costs
almost £95 million each year, and the problem is
getting worse. As equipment becomes more
specialist and higher in cost, it becomes a more
attractive target to thieves. Moreover, advances in
equipment design often make tools more compact
and lightweight too, so thieves find them easier to
steal.
As their vehicles proclaim, few roofers would leave
their tools in their vehicle overnight, but they cannot
keep a constant watch over tools that are not in use
while on site. Larger sites have site wide security
but, regardless of this, opportunist thieves will find
a way to access the site and take whatever is close
at hand. Meanwhile, on smaller sites, the only
defence against theft is often simply the vigilance of
colleagues.
In both scenarios, a tool vault or fittings cabinet
provides the ideal solution for locking tools away
securely when they are not in use on site. Metal and
Modular has developed some innovative features
for its range of tool vaults and fittings cabinets to
increase the level of security they offer while
providing increased functionality and convenience.
Knock-on effects
While the financial cost of replacing stolen tools
is a significant enough problem, the compelling
reasons to invest in a tool vault or fittings cabinet
are actually much wider because of the knock-on
effects of theft.
Without the right tools, a roofer can
struggle to continue with an
installation, and finding
replacements may involve a
significant cost in terms of time as
well as money. This could lead to
delays on site, loss of earnings for days lost
to inactivity, penalties for late handover or even
contra-charges if an alternative contractor has to
be brought in to complete the job.
Often, thieves will take more than one item or
may simply take the battery from each of the
cordless tools on site. Replacing one of these is
onerous, replacing several at the same time could
prove extremely difficult.
Metal and Modular’s Tool Vaults.
Better by design
Metal and Modular’s Tool Vaults have been
designed to both prevent opportunist tool theft and
discourage thieves, while ensuring all equipment is
safe and conveniently stored for when it is needed.
The range includes small, medium and large models
to enable roofing contractors to choose the right
option for their team. The medium and large Tool
Vaults have five-lever deadlocks and the small Tool
Vault has two fixed padlocks or two Stainless Steel
6-pin Ultra Secure Cylinder Locks
making all the units virtually
impossible to access. Double returns
on the edges of the anti-theft doors
also ensure that the unit cannot be
forced open with a crowbar. The units
also have a cable opening to allow equipment
to be charged securely when not in use and roofing
contractors can even use this to charge their mobile
phone, keeping their personal property safe too.
Available in standard and compact models, Metal
and Modular’s Fittings Cabinet range has also been
designed for secure storage and enables fittings and
tools to be locked away in a single unit, with a lower
shelf that can be locked in an upright position. The
standard unit features anti-theft twin doors with
two five-lever deadlocks, while the compact model
has a single door and lock of the same high security
standard. These versatile units are fitted with
shelves and durable storage bins to keep fittings
neat and tidy, helping roofers find what they need
quickly and easily and aiding stock checking. Both
Fittings Cabinet models also have a cable opening
for secure charging.
All Metal and Modular’s Tool Vault and Fitting
Cabinet products are manufactured from heavy
gauge and welded steel for added durability and
come with recessed handles, fork lift slots and
castors (if required) for ease of transportation and
manoeuvrability.
The right solution
No roofer would leave tools unattended in an open
van, but unattended tools can be just as vulnerable
on site. Tool vaults and secure fittings cabinets
provide the solution to this problem.
Contact Metal and Modular
01327 343300
www.metalandmodular.co.uk
56 TC AUGUST 2020