Which tools are the most stolen?

We do hope that you have emerged from the winter months without having any tools stolen – the fewer daylight hours often see a spike in tool thefts during winter. But what can we expect over the rest of this year? Has the cost-of-living crisis impacted on tool theft? Are there new steps to take to keep your tools safe? We explore the current landscape.

A 2021 survey by Screwfix reported that 66% of tradespeople endured tool theft, losing at least a day’s work. As part of a ‘Stamp Out Tool Theft’ campaign, Simply Business reports that, in 2022, 78% of tradespeople had their tools stolen. While methods of survey could have differed, the picture is all too clear.

Between January 2021 and October 2022:

22,005 powered hand tools were stolen.5,641 standard tools were stolen.1,683 mechanical hand tools were stolen.1,137 garden tools and garden equipment were stolen.414 building materials, including scaffolding, were stolen.And 295 ladders were stolen.

That makes powered hand tools four times more likely to be stolen than any other tool. 38.5% of these tools were stolen from a van.

Metropolitan Police data has revealed that tool theft from a vehicle increased over the last year – accounting for a third of all tool thefts recorded in 2021 and 2022! Unfortunately, it seems the situation continues to worsen, particularly in the South East, and particularly from vehicles that have deterrents in place! Despite the high numbers of theft, on average only 3 cases in every 1,000 result in a charge against the suspect.

Why are tools stolen in the first place?

According to the ‘On The Tools 2022’ report, 70% of consumers are aware that the average tradie has had their tools stolen over the last year. However, 23% of consumers purchased used tools without making any checks.

One of the reasons for the used tool trade booming is believed to be the cost-of-living crisis, which has seen the cost of materials rise, and ability to afford replacement tools reduce making the second-hand market more affordable and tempting, even by the most well-meaning of buyers who are simply looking to keep working.

Stolen tools may be sold to pawn shops, resold online on sites such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree without any legal requirement to list a serial number. Unbelievably, the proposed Bill requiring those selling online to show the serial number of the tools in the ads still hasn’t become legislation!

Tools are also often stolen to be used in other crimes, such as burglaries or break-ins. Additionally, tools may be stolen to be used for illegal activities, such as metal theft or drug production. Sometimes they are stolen so that the thief can simply use them themselves.

So where does most of the tool theft take place? The majority are stolen from vans.

But it’s also worth flagging that tools are stolen from gardens, sheds, and construction sites. While many manufacturers and the police recommend that tool owners take appropriate security measures such as using secure van locks and immobilisers, installing alarm systems, and using visible deterrents such as CCTV cameras, tool theft continues to rise with the thieves outsmarting the advice.

While the likelihood of recovering stolen tools remains low, it is recommended that tools are marked with a unique identifier and that tool owners keep an inventory – so if they are stolen, victims can easily and quickly report exactly what is missing to their insurer.

With a conviction rate as low as 0.3%, it’s critical for the trade to take steps to make it as hard for the thief as possible.

Reminders on keeping your tools safe:

Avoid storing tools in your van.Invest in a quality lockable tool chest or box.Store your tools in a securely locked garage.Install motion-sensor lighting in your garage.Consider an alarm system for your garage.Mark your tools with your name or initials.Use a GPS tracking device to keep track of your tools.Be aware of your surroundings and suspicious activity when working in public.Never leave your tools unattended in a public place.If you do store your tools in your van, take a look at some of the latest security tech available from Van Guard.

While it doesn’t prevent theft, it has also never been more important to consider tools insurance to prevent business interruption!

Tools are not typically covered by van insurance and are instead a separate type of policy. Tools insurance provides specific coverage for tools, equipment, and supplies used in a business. It can cover losses due to theft, damage, and other unexpected circumstances, so is worth considering if you haven’t done so already.

We also know that tool theft also has a severe impact on the mental health of tradespeople – and without tools insurance, a business could face significant financial and personal stressors. We want to avoid that.

With trade skills in demand across the UK, we want to keep the trade working without interruption. Our experts are here to talk with you about the particulars of tool insurance, to help reduce stress should the worst happen. We can talk about what it covers, what it doesn’t, how it differs from van insurance, and how we can help to support you in the event of a claim. Get in touch with your local branch, they would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Sources: HertsTools, Screwfix, Simply Business ‘On The Tools’ Report 2022 supported by Jewson.