Tradespeople are being urged to contribute to an online database being launched by van security specialist TVL Security.
According to recent statistics, more than half of UK tradespeople have had tools stolen from their vehicles at some point in their careers.
A new ‘Tell TVL’ initiative asks those who have had their vans stolen or items stolen from their vans to report full details including images at www.tellTVL.co.uk, in addition to reporting the crime to police.
By securely recording detailed data, as agreed with the National Business Crime Centre, Tell TVL will create a real-time national database. All data will be collated and shared with police in support of central efforts to crackdown on van crime.
In addition, registered users will be able to get free anonymised data reports highlighting crime hotspots and receive targeted crime prevention, a statement said.
TVL Security’s managing director Laura Moran, pictured, said: “Unfortunately, van crime in towns and cities across the UK continues to soar and we are often the first port of call for drivers and fleets looking to increase security after falling victim to theft. That means on a daily basis we see how much these crimes impact hard-working employees, sole traders and business owners.
“But because police databases are organised regionally, there isn’t a true national picture of the scale of the problem. And because there isn’t a standard way to capture details of van crime including methods used to gain entry, drivers and owners don’t currently know what to look out for.
“We think it’s about time drivers and fleet owners were given a chance to join forces against the criminals who cause them so much damage, financially and emotionally.
“That’s why we’ve created Tell TVL. It’s a way for businesses to fight back. Thieves thrive on silence, so we want to make some noise.”