Tool Theft Is On the Rise — Here’s How to Secure Your Work Van or Ute
Across New Zealand, more and more tradies are waking up to find their tools stolen — often straight out of their van or ute. It’s frustrating, expensive, and for many, it means losing a day’s work or worse.
Whether you’re parked on-site, at home, or even just grabbing lunch, securing your gear has never been more important. Here’s what you can do to protect your tools — and how a smart van or ute drawer system can help.
🚨 Tool Theft in New Zealand: A Growing Problem
Across New Zealand, tool theft reports have been rising. It’s not just about the cost of replacing gear — it's the time, lost income, and stress that follows.
Thieves target work vehicles because they know that tradies often carry thousands of dollars worth of tools. And if your drawers or storage boxes aren’t secure, it only takes seconds for someone to clear them out.
🔐 Step 1: Lockable Storage Is a Must
Leaving tools loose in the back of your van or ute? That’s an open invite. Investing in a lockable storage solution is one of the easiest ways to improve security.
At Workvan, we offer two drawer systems with different locking options:
Apprentice drawer system – Features a padlock-ready design, allowing you to use your own lock to secure your drawers.
Contractor drawer system – Comes standard with an integrated key lock, offering built-in protection.
Workvan tip: Add a padlock even with a canopy or hard top — thieves often target rear glass and flimsy side doors.
🛠️ Step 2: Keep Gear Out of Sight
A tidy, well-organised storage system doesn’t just make you more efficient — it helps reduce theft risk by keeping gear hidden beneath a false floor. If they can't see it, they're less likely to try.
All our systems sit below deck height, making it harder for opportunists to spot valuable tools or equipment.
📦 Step 3: Separate & Prioritise
You don’t need to secure every single screw or drill bit — just the expensive gear. Use your drawer system strategically:
Keep high-value tools in the deepest, lockable compartments
Use crates or totes in upper compartments for fast removal at the end of the day
Mark and engrave tools for easy identification and deterrence
🧠 Step 4: Make It Inconvenient for Thieves
Sometimes, the goal isn’t to make your van or ute unbreakable — it’s to make it not worth the effort. A secure drawer system takes time and tools to break into. That’s often enough for a thief to move on.
Contractor system highlight: With metal runners, full-width coverage, and built-in locks, it acts as a serious barrier between your gear and anyone who shouldn't be in your vehicle.
📸 Step 5: Add Visual Deterrents
Thieves are opportunistic — anything that makes them hesitate or think twice can be a powerful deterrent. Even basic visual cues can go a long way:
“Vehicle Under Surveillance” decals
Dash cams or visible security cameras
Internal motion sensor alarms (even battery-powered)
Parking with your rear doors against a wall or solid structure
While these don't physically lock your tools, they add another layer of protection by making your van or ute a harder target.
Workvan tip: Pair visual deterrents with a secure drawer system to create a full-circle security setup — one that protects your gear and signals to thieves: “Not worth the trouble.”
Don’t Wait Until It Happens
Tool theft isn't just bad luck — it’s a risk that can be managed. Whether you drive a Hilux, Hiace, Transit, or D-Max, upgrading your van or ute storage drawers with smart, secure features can save you time, money, and stress.
Need help choosing the right system? Contact us and we’ll help you build a fitout that’s just as focused on security as it is on organisation.
