Theft is often a crime of opportunity, and leaving your tools visible and easy to reach in the bed of a truck leaves them susceptible to the crime.

One Las Vegas man, for example, who had amassed $50,000 worth of general contracting tools over 20 years, was robbed of his investments when someone took off with the equipment.

And he’s far from alone. The theft of tools out of trucks parked at homes and at work sites has become a trend in recent years. In fact, it is such a common occurrence that it rarely “makes the news” anymore.

Tools are valuable, easy to steal, and hard to track once stolen. They are difficult to identify, making police work problematic and the likelihood low that the tools will be restored to their rightful owner. After the theft they are easily resold, often for very good prices, by the crooks on online shopping sites or at the local flea market. A quick look on eBay reveals over 340,000 entries for sale under the heading “Used Tools.” That fact by itself says it all.

However, there are several ways to avoid becoming a victim of tool theft and to protect yourself in the unfortunate event that you do.

• Make note of the serial numbers of your tools, especially if they are especially rare or expensive.
• If you leave tools in your vehicle, park the vehicle in a well-lit, secure location.
• File a police report after you discover the theft.
• Insure your tools as you would other possessions so that you can submit a claim in the event of theft.

Ultimately, to prevent your tools from being stolen, they should be locked away in a secure compartment. The Stowe Cargo 2-in-1 system transforms your truck bed into such a secure space.

The design, materials and components used with our 2-in-1 toolbox and truck bed cover combination were chosen with security in mind.

Rather than featuring a soft cover, or other easily breached design, Stowe’s 2-panel hard cover design incorporates a composite sandwich panel and aluminum frame construction to protect and secure cargo.

Automotive grade Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) certified locks and latches are used on the Toolbox cover and truck bed cover. The strikers to which the latches mate are produced with automotive grade materials and anti-corrosion coatings for strength and corrosion resistance.

The Stowe Cargo 2-in-1 Toolbox and Tonneau System is an excellent investment for securing your tools from theft.

For more information about how a Stowe Cargo system can help prevent tool theft, visit us online or call us at (248) 795-2240.