Am I insured through Helpi?

You’re responsible for your own liability and business insurance.

Can I be removed from the platform?

Yes. Repeated complaints, no-shows, or breaches of our Terms of Service will result in suspension or removal.

How do the ratings impact me?

Your Hero Rating is visible on your profile which the customer can see – we find highly rated Heroes get more jobs and more earnings so it always pays to make a good impression with every job you do.

Will the customers be able to rate Heroes?

Yes- after every job, the customer will rate the Hero who completed it, and that rating will appear on their Helpi profile.

What if there’s a dispute?

If the dispute happens whilst you are with the customer try and settle the issue there and then. If you cannot come to an agreement contact Helpi support. We’ll review all messages, job notes, and evidence (like photos) to help resolve disputes fairly.

The job is different to the one the customer booked?

Please explain this to the customer whilst you are there and get agreement for any additional charges you may need to make – for example if the customer booked one hour but you need two hours. You will then have the ability to update the price in the app, however, note the customer also needs to confirm the price change too.

What happens if a customer cancels?

If the job is cancelled last minute, you may still be eligible for partial payment. Each case is reviewed based on our cancellation policy.

Can the customer reschedule?

Life happens – so sometimes the customer may need to reschedule. Helpi tries to minimize this by reminding customers of booked and upcoming jobs so Hero’s have less movement in their calendars.

So what does Helpi do?

The Helpi platform connects qualified trades and service professionals with thousands of customers in an easy and accessible app and offers a secure method of payment allowing you to earn when you want.

Am I employed by Helpi?

No. You’re an independent contractor, not an employee. You control your schedule, accept the jobs you want and are responsible for the work you carry out for the customer.

Can I choose which jobs to take?

Yes! You’ll be notified when new jobs are available. Accept the ones you want- there’s no obligation.

After completing a job, Helpi releases your payment (minus platform fees) to your registered bank account, typically within 3–5 working days.

What are the requirements?

You must be at least 18, have the right to work in your area, own your tools (where applicable), and hold relevant licenses or certifications.

Register on the Helpi Team app, upload your ID, any qualifications, and complete your profile. Once approved, you can start accepting jobs.

What is a Helpi Hero?

Heroes are independent professionals who use the Helpi platform to find customers and earn money by providing home services.

Theft Prevention UK

How to Secure Your Van and Tools: A Tradesperson’s Guide to Theft Prevention

Written by

Helpi Team

Published on

07 Dec 2025

For many tradespeople, your van isn’t just your transport—it’s your mobile office, toolbox, and warehouse all in one. But every year, thousands of vans are broken into across the UK, and tool theft continues to rise. The result? Delayed jobs, expensive replacements, and major stress.

Whether you're a plumber, electrician, handyman or decorator, securing your van and tools is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps to reduce the risk of theft, protect your livelihood, and keep your business moving.

The Real Cost of Tool Theft

A stolen van or set of tools isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s lost income, disrupted jobs, and often a battle with insurance companies. In many cases:

Replacement tools cost £1,000–£10,000+
Missed jobs lead to lost trust from customers
Insurance claims can lead to higher premiums or denied coverage
Some tradespeople have to stop work completely until tools are replaced

Preventing theft in the first place is always cheaper and easier than dealing with the aftermath.

Top Tips to Secure Your Van and Tools

1. Install Extra Locks

Factory-fitted locks are no match for today’s thieves. Upgrade your van security with:

Deadlocks – difficult to force open and work independently from central locking
Slamlocks – automatically lock doors when shut (ideal for deliveries)
Hook locks – provide extra resistance against prying
Shielding plates – protect door locks and handle areas from drilling

Professional installation is worth the investment for peace of mind.

2. Add a Van Alarm and Tracker

Many vans don’t come with adequate alarms or any tracking features.

A good aftermarket alarm system will sound off if doors are forced or movement is detected
A GPS tracker hidden inside the van helps you (and the police) locate it if stolen
Some systems even allow remote immobilisation via your phone

Insurance companies often offer discounts for properly installed alarms and trackers.

3. Use Secure Van Vaults or Lockboxes

Even if someone gets into your van, a heavy-duty tool safe or lockbox inside can slow them down or stop them.

Mount your tool vault to the floor of your van
Use heavy padlocks and steel construction
Keep expensive items like drills, saws, and test equipment locked away

Brand-name van safes like Armorgard or Van Vault are trusted by trades across the UK.

4. Mark and Register Your Tools

Property marking is a low-cost way to make your tools less attractive to thieves and easier to return if recovered:

Use UV pens, engraving tools, or smart water to mark your business name or postcode
Log your tools on the Immobilise National Property Register
Photograph your tools and serial numbers

Some insurance providers require this for full cover.

5. Park Smart

Where and how you park your van can significantly reduce your risk:

Park with rear or side doors against a wall
Choose well-lit, busy areas or those with CCTV
Avoid leaving vans in isolated industrial areas overnight
Consider fitting internal cages or rear door sensors

Even better, empty the van at night—especially high-value tools.

6. Don’t Advertise What’s Inside

A van wrapped in logos and branding is great for marketing—but it also advertises to thieves what kind of tools might be inside.

Consider magnetic panels that you can remove after hours
Place a “no tools left in this van overnight” sticker

Use blacked-out windows or steel bulkheads to hide the contents

7. Get the Right Insurance

Check that your business van policy includes:

Tool cover (including theft from the vehicle overnight)
Hire a vehicle cover so you can keep working
Breakdown and recovery service

Some policies exclude cover unless extra locks are fitted—always read the fine print.

Work Without Worry: Use Helpi

When you're out on jobs booked through Helpi, you’re already ahead. Helpi doesn’t charge Hero tradespeople to join the platform or accept jobs, so you keep more of your hard-earned income.

Plus, jobs are pre-checked, payments are managed through the platform, and you get access to a growing network of homeowners and local jobs in your area.

More jobs. Less admin. And no unnecessary costs.

Final Word

Tool and van theft can devastate your business. But with a few smart upgrades—locks, alarms, secure parking, and tool safes—you can dramatically reduce the risk. Don’t wait until after something is stolen to act.

Take control, secure your van, and protect your livelihood. And when you’re ready to work smarter, join Helpi—where there are no fees to get started, and more jobs waiting.

👉 Join Helpi as a Hero

Download Helpi Team now

For all your home needs, download the Helpi Team app on the iOS App Store and Android Play Store now.