Keep your tools safe

“This is unfortunately an increasingly common crime presently,’’ Box Hill police Constable Jake Keenan said.

“Having your tools stolen often delivers a major financial hit to tradies, with expensive equipment needing to be replaced and upcoming jobs cancelled.’’

There has been a 36.6 per cent increase in tool theft over the past two years (14,078 in the 12 months to March 2023).

The majority of these are stolen from the back of work vans and utes, with offenders targeting unlocked vehicles. Tools left on job sites are also another target for thieves.

As such, police encourage tradies to: