Samaritans
The Samaritans probably need no introduction. If you find yourself in a dark place, call them free on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website
First Steps
- Dial 999 if theft in progress otherwise 101 to report it.
- Secure your vehicle and remove any valuable
- Photograph any damage including any signs of forced entry
- Make a list of what’s missing
- Report to your insurer
- Contact anyone expecting you to work that day and explain the situation
- Sit down and make a recovery plan
- Managing the work that was planned
- Deal with the repairs
- Replace stolen goods
- Review security and insurance
- Claim your free SelectaDNA Tool Marking kit from Van Watch worth £50
Is there
any financial help?
There is financial help available for people in certain circumstances. One of our partners, the Rainy Day Trust provides discretionary grants to people that work in the Home Improvement sector and who are struggling financially and may have lost tools and business due to tool theft. Others that can provide financial help include The Lighthouse Club, B & CE Charitable Trust and there’s also the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme for those injured due to violence during the course of a theft.
Could I borrow some tools?
There are a number of tool loan schemes around the country which will lend out tools to tradespeople to help in the event that their tools are stolen.
One such scheme is the Tool Angel Scheme run by Williams Trade Only Plumbing and Heating Supplies.
If you work in the plumbing and heating trade and have been affected by tool theft, just you can call their Trade Support team with the crime number and a drop-off location, and the team will get a FREE Tool Angel kit, worth over £2,300, to you within their normal delivery times.
Can I get help for my mental health?
We know that one of the biggest impacts of van and tool theft are those affecting people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
It can feel like a personal attack as not only is your property being stolen but so too is your means of earning a living and in addition, it can put you in a very difficult situation when you’re under pressure to meet deadlines.
You are not alone and organisations like Band of Builders, Mates in Mind, the Lighthouse Club and the Rainy Day Trust can help with text and telephone support which many find helpful.
Available Support
As well as VanWatch there are many other great organisations out there that can offer support to you. We have added a selection below. If you’d like us to add your organisation please contact us.
Mates in Mind
Mates In Mind is another construction industry charity specialising in mental health and emotional well-being.Visit the Mates in Mind website or text “BeAMate” to 85258
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
If you were injured as a result of violence during the course of a theft, you might be able to claim from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
Tool Angels
Tool Loan Schemes If you are a plumber or a heating engineer, Williams’ Tool Angel scheme offers a no-obligation free loan of a wide range of tools for a few weeks to keep you working whilst you organise replacements. Visit the William’s Tool Angels website
B & CE Charitable Trust
B&CE’s Charitable Trust offers hardship grants, retraining grants and runs the Construction Worker Helpline on 0808 801 0372. It does not specifically give grants for the replacement of stolen tools, but may be able to assist if the absence of tools causes significant financial hardship,
The Lighthouse Club
The Lighthouse Club is a construction industry charity that provides emergency financial assistance and help with emotional and physical health issues. https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/application.html
Tool Smart advice from Suffolk Constabulary
Suffolk Constabulary have created a page of resources about keeping your tools safe Suffolk Constabulary Tool SMART
Band of Builders
Band of Builders came into being out of an act of friendship. When Addam Smith’s mate Keith Ellick was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Addam wanted to do something to make his life a little bit easier. A plan to landscape his garden captured won the
Rainy Day Trust
The Rainy Day Trust provide support for those who need it in several ways. To qualify you must have worked in the home improvement industry for at least 1 year and be on a low income, roughly £20,000 per year before tax. It varies for each application
