The Bermuda Police Service, has been receiving increased reports of tools being stolen from tool sheds and vehicles. With that in mind we thought we would share with you some tips that would assist in preventing you falling victim to such incidents.
Secure your tool shed with a high quality padlock and hardened steel security chain. Cheap padlocks and cable locks can be easily removed with a bolt cutter. Hardened-steel security chain and high-quality padlocks provide much better protection as thieves can’t easily cut through them.
A heavy-duty tool box should also be a consideration. You may want to remove the casters or, purchase one without casters and set it on the ground. That way thieves can’t simply roll it away.
Unless you plan on selling them on, another method of securing your tools would be to alter their appearance. Remove the brand name plate (but leave the plate containing the tool’s serial number). Next, have your name or, in the case contractors, your company’s name or some other easily identifiable mark engraved in a prominent area on your tools. You may also use paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spray. These markings would make it difficult for a thief to sell your stolen property.
Remove the battery and charger from your power tools and store them separately. Stolen battery-powered tools are more difficult to sell, if they don’t include the battery and charger, thus making them less attractive to thieves.
Vans are often targeted by thieves for the tools stored inside. If you have to leave tools in a van overnight, consider using a lockable cabinet within your van to store tools.
Finally take photographs of these valuable items, make a note of the serial numbers.
Members of the public are advised, if you are approached by anyone selling tools or any other items for that matter, make sure that you are shown proper proof of ownership of the item being sold, so as to avoid falling victim to purchasing stolen goods. If you suspect the items are stolen, you should contact 211 or the main police number, 295-0011 and provide a description of the person selling the items as well as the items being offered for sale.
You should also be aware that under the Criminal Code Act 1907, “A person guilty of handling stolen goods shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $10,000 or to imprisonment for five years or both; and on conviction on indictment, to a fine of $150,000 or imprisonment for fourteen years, or both.”
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