SPECIALIST tool protection and insurance company ARMD and the Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG), which includes RGB Building Supplies, have entered a partnership to help protect local tradespeople from the terrible effects of tool theft.

The partnership means that RGB’s customers will benefit from ARMD’s all-in-one smart van alarm, tracker and dedicated insurance packages that offer solutions which proactively prevent theft and get tradespeople back on the tools quickly should the worst happen.

“We are delighted to be working with RGB Building Supplies and all the companies that are part of IBMG,” says Duncan Jackson, Chief Commercial Officer of ARMD.

“Tool theft is the scourge of tradespeople and affects 78 per cent of them. Together we are protecting their livelihoods with affordable solutions that help prevent theft and provide fast reimbursement if the worst happens.”

Stuart Smith, branch manager at RGB Crediton, said: “We fully understand how detrimental it can be when members of the trades are victims of tool theft, so our partnership with ARMD allows us to offer an affordable product to help mitigate the risk.

“Supported by exclusive discounts for RGB customers, we are offering hard-working local tradespeople increased protection at an affordable price point.”

The recently launched "plug and play" ARMD GUARD smart van alarm and tracker silently watches over tools and in the event of a break-in, the alarm triggers a phone call notification.

This instant alert allows tradespeople to take immediate action by calling the police and catching thieves in the act while it locates and tracks the van, if it is stolen, with the inbuilt GPS.

The ARMD GUARD integrates seamlessly with the ARMD App, which includes a tool inventory that allows tradespeople to keep a record of the value of their tools.

The app also provides van security, insurance, tool and van location in one place, all working together to bring a superior layer of protection to a tradesperson’s livelihood.