Tradies tool security reminder

Danielle Bright on May 29, 2026 @ 3:19pm

Police are reminding community members of the importance of securing their tools and putting in place crime prevention strategies to protect themselves from opportunistic thieves.

   In recent months there has been an increase in tools being stolen from work vehicles and building sites.  Police recognise that the impact of tool theft is not limited to the cost of a tool being replaced.  For small business owners or contractors, the time it takes to replace tools can result in wage lost and customer jobs delayed.

Prevention strategies

Police are urging tool owners to take simple steps to protect their gear:

1. Lock up your tools:

• Remove or secure valuable tools – keep them out of sight and behind locked doors
• If storing tools in a vehicle, use a fixed locked toolbox with visible locks to deter thieves.

2. Mark your tools with unique identification details and record them:

• Marking and engraving tools with names or licence details deters theft as it makes them harder to resell and easier for police to return if stolen
• Record details such as the make and model of the tools and take photos for easy identification if stolen.

3. Secure your work vehicles:

• Always lock vehicles and secure all windows including the sunroof when it is unattendedPark vehicles and trailers off the street, in well-lit areas or in places covered by CCTV.

4. Assess your security:

Consider:

• installing an anti-theft audible alarm system to storage compartments, toolboxes and trailers
• installing CCTV to monitor where tools are stored
• hiding trackers in high value items.

5. Look out for suspicious behaviour:

If you notice anything, make a record of it and report it.Whether at home or on-the-job site, keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour, for example, people loitering around construction sites or vehicles.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.