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I don't think you can win either way. If you sign-write the van it's a target for people wanting specific tools, if you leave it blank it's a target for anyone.
Personally, I think the image and the brand count for more in sales than you'll ever lose through people seeing the sign-writing and that makes them want to break in.
If you're not happy with the area you live in, you need to empty the van of tools overnight. You might get the odd attempt, but at least it's only the locks that will need fixing. For what it's worth, welding a plate behind a busted lock, re-fitting everything and making good, costs £106.80 inc. VAT at my garage this week!
I'd get magnetic signage and remove them whenever you are in an area where it may be a risk to your vehicles security.
People targeting for tools tend to follow and pinch from the van when your working, or they scout you out and follow you and will find out anyway, the sign writing may make it easier but I doubt the difference is huge (sadly).
Its value as advertising is hard to measure, but its mobile and looks proffessional, so personally Id go for it.
I think you need to find other ways to mitigate against theft. Van sign writing is one of the cheapest and most widely seen forms of advertising you can get. E.g cutting an immaculate hedge on a busy transport route in morning rush hour - seen by hundreds of people doing your work to a very high standard and they can see exactly who you are in giant letters! Priceless.
Plus if stolen, a sign written van is harder for the thieves to sell on, and more likely to be spotted than a plain white van (according to my local PCSO)
Paul McNulty said:
I'm in the 'sign-write vans' camp for many of the reasons mentioned.
Just to show there is no logic to this, the only van we do not have signed (which is for a totally different reason) was the one thieves choose to gemmy the rear doors on. They failed, but trashed them in the process.
We do empty all the vans of tools every night, however and try to keep them religiously locked while on site.
I don't leave any tools in the van overnight, there all kept in a lock storage facility.
I have magnetic signs, but to me
they just don't seem professional.
I guess it's the old "if they want to break in they will find a way".
Checked my insurance and it goes up £100 over the year if I get it sign written, which isn't too bad apart from the fact I pay an arm and a leg because I'm young!
Andy, it went up as a result of a claim or because of sign writing ?
Very much dependent on Ins Co. We get a small discount on ours - ie less risk. Although some insures view it differently. Beauty of using a good Broker, who knows what's what and can shop around.
See point no. 9 on this guide
Andy said:
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