Tool theft is a growing crisis for tradespeople across the UK, with thousands of professionals losing essential equipment every year. The financial and professional impact can be devastating and many small businesses and self-employed workers simply can’t afford to replace stolen tools overnight. With half of all reported tool thefts occurring from vehicles, it’s clear that vans remain a prime target for criminals.

Securing tools properly isn’t just about avoiding the immediate costs of replacement, it can also help lower insurance premiums, reducing long-term financial risks. Jefferson Tools offers a range of SiteSafe truckboxes, designed to increase security both on-site and in vans, giving tradespeople the protection they need to keep working with peace of mind.

Jefferson Tools’ SiteSafe truckboxes provide heavy-duty security for tools and equipment, whether on-site or in a van. Designed to withstand theft attempts, they offer a robust steel construction that resists forced entry. The tamper-proof locking mechanism provides further protection against opportunistic and professional thieves, giving tradespeople the confidence that their tools are secure at all times.

“Every tradesperson knows that tool theft is a constant risk and once your tools are gone, your ability to work is at stake,” says Darren Binns, National Sales Manager at Jefferson Tools. “The SiteSafe truckboxes provide a simple yet highly effective security solution that can make all the difference. Storing tools securely in a lockable site box is exactly the kind of measure insurers look for when assessing risk.”

Jefferson Tools SiteSafe range includes six Safe, four Site Safe, and two Agri Safe secure storage solutions, designed to meet a variety of needs. For tighter van spaces, there’s the compact 400mm model. The versatile 570mm standard and AgriSafe variants offer a balance of size and practicality. For bulkier equipment, the 700mm box provides generous storage, while the flagship 850mm unit delivers maximum capacity for the most demanding jobs.

Each is built from heavy-duty steel and coated with a tough, waterproof textured powder finish with UV protection—engineered to perform in the harshest environments. Standard features include shielded locking points, pre-drilled fixing holes and integrated forklift skids for easy transport, while optional 5” heavy-duty castor wheels enhance mobility. The 400mm model offers 90 litres of secure storage in a compact footprint (780 x 430 x 400mm), while the top-of-the-range 850mm version (1370 x 780 x 850mm) provides space and strength for the heaviest-duty storage requirements.

Figures from police reports and industry bodies show that tool theft is more common than ever (44,514 incidents in 2023). Criminals often see vans as an easy target, using everything from crowbars to battery-powered grinders to gain access in a matter of seconds. The impact on victims goes beyond the financial loss—delays, lost contracts and the stress of replacing essential equipment can be just as damaging.

With the government now reviewing tougher penalties for tool theft (thanks to a recent campaign led by the trade) and a bill currently going through Parliament proposing harsher sentences for offenders, there is growing recognition of the problem. However, prevention remains the best defence and investing in secure storage solutions is a critical step for any tradesperson.

Many insurance providers factor in security measures when calculating premiums. If tools are left loose in a van, they’re more vulnerable to theft, meaning higher insurance costs. However, storing tools in a lockable, tamper-proof truckbox can significantly reduce the risk and may lead to lower insurance rates.


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