More than 25,000 tools were stolen across Queensland last financial year, promoting a police campaign with local tradies.
Officer in Charge of North Brisbane District Criminal Investigation Branch Detective Senior Sergeant Ken Rogers said the Queensland Police Service (QPS) would be working directly with tradies and tool owners to promote prevention and identification strategies.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rogers said it was hoped this would not only decrease theft, but also boost the chances of stolen tools being traced back to their owners.
He said police recognised that the impact of tool theft was not limited to the cost of replacement.
“For many small business owners and contractors, stolen tools mean loss of wages, jobs delayed and added pressure on their livelihood.
“We know a stolen drill or saw isn’t just a missing item, but it can mean a day’s work lost, jobs pushed back, and reputation with clients,” he said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rogers said most regularly stolen items included hand tools, household power tools, trade equipment and commercial power tools.
“Most offenders are opportunistic and we’ve found that engravings, visible locks and alarms make a big difference in deterring theft.”
He said despite police efforts, only 1283 tools were reunited with Queenslanders in the last financial year.
Police are urging tool owners to take these steps to protect their gear:
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.
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.
Secure your work vehicles:
- Always lock vehicles and secure all windows including the sunroof when it is unattended.
- Park vehicles and trailers off the street, in well-lit areas or in places covered by CCTV.
Assess your security and 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.
Look out for suspicious behaviour:
- 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 notice anything, make a record of it and report it via the stolen property form at police.qld.gov.au or by phoning Policelink on 131 444.
