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Police are encouraging both tradies and homeowners to secure valuable tools as summer holidays and Christmas approach.
Last January saw close to $200,000 worth of tools and trade equipment stolen in the Waitemata Police District (which includes the Hibiscus Coast) and Police say some of these incidents could have been prevented.
Sergeant Nick Herd says the holiday period is particularly high risk for tool thefts, with building sites, trade vehicles and residential sheds often left unattended and targeted.
Police say that using a good quality lock and considering installing security lighting near homes and sheds can also be helpful. Ideally, equipment should be removed from any building site or vehicles, particularly at weekends.
If tools must be kept in a vehicle, they should be stored in a lock box secured to the vehicle and a good quality alarm should be installed “ In addition to this, Police recommend people record the serial numbers of tools, using www.snap.org.nz, or take photos of them and store them electronically.
Products like SelectaDNA that invisibly mark and identify tools can also be utilised.
Taking these steps may enable Police to identify and return stolen tools, as well as increasing the likelihood of offenders being charged.
