More than 25,000 tools were stolen across Queensland in the 2024–25 financial year, prompting police to take their theft prevention message directly to tradespeople at Carseldine Home Maker Centre.
Read: Stolen Tools and Motorcycles Recovered in Carseldine Police Operation
The North Brisbane Crime Prevention Team and Mobile Police Beat attended the centre’s monthly tradies breakfast on Friday, October 30, 2026, to discuss ways workers could protect equipment that is essential to their livelihoods.
The visit formed part of Queensland Police Service (QPS) efforts to reach tradies, contractors and tool owners at hardware and specialist tool retailers, where officers regularly discuss practical ways to reduce opportunities for theft.
Hand tools, household power tools, trade equipment, and commercial power tools are among the items most commonly stolen, according to police. The consequences can be particularly difficult for small business operators and independent contractors. Replacing missing equipment is one expense, but losing access to tools needed for scheduled jobs can also mean lost wages, delayed work and additional pressure on a business.
Identifying Tools Could Help Get Them Back
One of the main messages from police is that tradies should be able to establish ownership of their equipment if it is recovered during an investigation. Recording serial numbers is an important part of that process. Police also encourage workers to engrave or mark tools with identifying details, such as a name or licence information.
The markings can make equipment more difficult to resell and give detectives a better chance of identifying its rightful owner when stolen property is recovered.
A written inventory can provide another useful record. Tradies are encouraged to document the make and model of each tool and take photographs, giving police additional information to work with if equipment goes missing.
Work Vehicles Need Attention After Hours
Utes, vans and trailers can carry substantial amounts of valuable equipment, making storage arrangements an important part of theft prevention. Police recommend keeping tools out of sight and behind locked doors. Where equipment must remain inside a vehicle, a fixed toolbox with visible locks provides another layer of security.
Locking the vehicle and securing its windows, including the sunroof, should become routine whenever it is left unattended. Parking vehicles and trailers off the street, in well-lit areas or within CCTV coverage can also help improve security.
Some workers may need additional protection for equipment that is particularly valuable. QPS suggests considering audible alarms fitted to storage compartments, toolboxes and trailers, along with CCTV around storage areas.
Concealed tracking devices are another option for high-value items. These measures can complement physical security, although police also stress the importance of making equipment identifiable.
Suspicious Activity Should Be Reported
Security does not stop at the driveway or workshop. Construction sites and parked work vehicles can also attract unwanted attention, so police are asking tradies to remain alert to people behaving suspiciously around these locations.
Anyone noticing concerning activity is encouraged to record relevant details and report them to police. The QPS visit also brought attention to a resource available to tool owners: the Tools Secure sticker. Tradies can request one for their toolbox by emailing the Gateway Crime Prevention Unit at Gateway.DCPC@police.qld.gov.au.
Anyone who has had tools stolen should report the matter through the QPS stolen property reporting service or contact Policelink on 131 444.
Tradies working across Carseldine, Aspley and neighbouring suburbs can reduce the risks by keeping an accurate equipment register and making sure their tools are properly secured between jobs. These precautions can also help police identify stolen equipment if it is recovered.
Tools Secure Stickers and Stolen Tool Reporting
Request a Tools Secure sticker
Tradies can request a sticker for their toolbox by emailing the Gateway Crime Prevention Unit.
Gateway.DCPC@police.qld.gov.au
Report stolen tools
Submit a report through the Queensland Police Service stolen property reporting form.
Policelink: 131 444
Published 3-November-2026
Featured image credit: QPS
