Tool theft at crisis point – write to your MP

All too often we’re hearing that a tradesperson has had either their van or tools – or both – stolen. A quick Google search later and you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a daily story about this crime, whether new national statistics to another petition calling for Government action. Many of the big players have chimed in.

In 2021 Screwfix reported that 66% of tradespeople have had their tools stolen or their van broken into, also highlighting that those 66% lost at least a day’s work.Ring carried out their own research, finding that 63% had their tools of van stolen at least once, also estimating that, that since 2016, over 43,000 vans have been stolen and a further 117,000 have been broken into, costing businesses over £60m. Only half of tradespeople remove tools from a van overnight.Opinium also found that roofers were the hardest hit group, followed by electricians, plumbers and carpenters. It also found that one in three in the trade lost one to two working days due to theft, while 16% lost two to five days, and 7% lost five days or more.Herts Tools found that the average overall cost of tool theft within the industry, per month, in 2021 equated to £1.46m!

We know that this type of crime can cause immense financial and emotional strain on the victim, with some never recovering professionally or personally. We want to help push for change.

We spoke to one group determined to do something about it.

Builders Talk Group provides strength in numbers and a supportive community for the trade. They are pushing for change in how the police and the UK government deal with these types of crimes.

We spoke directly with Liz Gribbin of Builders Talk Group, who has been conducting polls on their Facebook page to feed back to the Home Office. The most voted for statement remains ‘Police don’t take the crime seriously enough’, followed closely by ‘Vans are not secure enough from manufacturers’. Voters also felt that there should be tougher penalties for tool theft, and that tool sellers should be spot-checked.

“We’re working with the Home Office to get this taken seriously”, confirms Liz. “The two-stage Home Office report is currently in ‘part one’ phase, focussing on the types of tools that are stolen. Unfortunately, we all know that thieves will generally take whatever is in the van, including radios and hand drills so this can be difficult to record.

“The second part is looking at how people’s lives are affected; the number of individuals leaving the trade – some even contemplating suicide following tool theft and having nowhere to turn – is unacceptable, particularly during time of national skill shortage.”

Liz also offers advice when it comes to setting up or signing one of the many online petitions.

“Online petitions can dilute the message, and because there are so many, they don’t reach the capacity they need to be read in parliament. And even when they are ready, they get a 10-minute airing and little changes, as was the case with the bill regarding serial numbers for resold tools, read by Greg Smith, Conservative MP of Buckingham, last year. But what has been done since then?

“While that may still progress, and making tools less attractive to resell is a positive move, it is still not addressing the actual theft itself, nor how the police record the theft.

“With tool theft at crisis point, and the police only reporting it as vehicle theft, and viewing it as less damaging than a home burglary, we are encouraging the trade community to write directly to their MP, the police and crime commissioner as opposed to individual, diluted and seemingly ignorable petitions.”

Contact your MP about tool theft

The A-Plan team is making it a little easier to contact your MP – download this template, print, fill it in and pop in the mail.

While social media and email may be convenient, it can be much harder to ignore a complaint received in the post.

Many MP’s also offer ‘surgeries’ where you are able to pop in to talk about your concerns, but we recommend calling their office to set up an appointment first to save time waiting.

Tool insurance

Another critical factor is to ensure that you have tool insurance. Speak to your broker about the insurers on the market, to make sure that your insurer is proactive in replenishing tools quickly so that you don’t need to lose more sleep, or income while you wait.

We are always here to help advise you on all aspects of van insurance and tool insurance, with 60 years’ experience under our belt to point you in the right direction.

Whether you haven’t yet opted for tool insurance, or purchased new tools you need to include in existing cover, or even upgraded your van, get in touch. As we are brokers we are also here to support you in the event of a claim. Find out more about how we can help by calling your local business branch.

Work in the trade?  Join Builders Talk Group on Facebook, or take a look at their website. The group is ‘run by builders, for builders’ and offers a range of support from advice, information on topics such as ‘designing out crime’ when it comes to your van, classified ads and of course, banter.