Trades Vehicles Remain Popular Target for Tool Theft

Trades vehicles

Tradespeople’s vehicles remain a popular target for brazen thieves stealing tools, with one in three workers having equipment stolen from their vans in the last 12 months.

In a recent survey, more than three-quarters of tradespeople said they leave their equipment and tools in vans overnight – making them a continued target.

Research carried out by commercial insurer NFU Mutual revealed that just shy of two-thirds of tradespeople had suffered from theft of any kind in the last 12 months, with theft from a site (36%) most common, closely followed by equipment stolen from vehicles (32%). Rounding off the top four were theft of a vehicle (12%) and theft from business premises (11%).

Vehicles Remain Rife Target

Zoe Knight, Head of Commercial at NFU Mutual, said: “Tool theft is an epidemic that continues to blight the industry and cause major issues and distress to hard-working tradespeople up and down the country.

“With one in every three tradespeople having tools stolen from their vans in the last 12 months, it shows how brazen thieves are. This is not just a storage place for workers – but is also their mode of transport to get to and from jobs which then, in a lot of cases, will have to be cancelled or pushed back due to physical damage done by criminals and repairs needed.

“Tradespeople rely on their tools and vehicles for their job, so it is vital they have the protection and security in place. Tougher laws on tool theft would help deter thieves and tackle this growing issue.”

Tool Theft Epidemic

Workers in the sector regularly live in fear of being targeted by criminals and having tools stolen, resulting in not just an emotional impact but also a financial one, when they are unable to carry out jobs. The average cost of tool theft in the last 12 months, of those surveyed, came out at £4,300 – with 3% saying it cost them more than £20,000.

Of the tradespeople that said they had been a victim of tool theft in the last 12 months, 39% of those suffered more than once. One in every 10 of the repeat victims were targeted three times or more in the space of just one year.

While vehicles appear a common target for thieves, the data shows workers’ sites were actually ransacked more often in the last 12 months. And with 74% of tradespeople saying they leave tools and portable equipment on site overnight, it’s a clear target for criminals to attack.

Ongoing Fight – Case Study

Somerset-based civil engineering and groundworks company TC & Co had more than £90,000 worth of equipment taken in an overnight raid.

For TC & Co Director Tim Smith, the ongoing issue of tool theft is becoming a “far too regular” occurrence, with incidents costing the company costing tens of thousands of pounds each time.

In March this year, TC & Co experienced a break-in on site where a container was cut open and all tools stolen. More than £90,000 worth of equipment was taken in the overnight raid – including John Deere Gator, machine breakers, laser levels, chains and plant trailers – leaving the team to have to reach out to a number of hire companies the following day in order to keep things running on site.

“It certainly felt targeted,” said Tim. “The thieves knew exactly where to go and what to take, which unfortunately is becoming more common with organised groups focusing on high-value tools and equipment.

“These tools aren’t just assets – they’re essential for keeping our projects running. We also take pride in buying new kit, so the items stolen were two to three years old at best.

“It certainly wasn’t a good feeling – it was a mix of frustration and concern about how it might disrupt our work. Fortunately, we had strong support behind us – management, clients, insurance – which made a difficult situation much easier to handle.”

While security measures were in place at TC & Co’s site, Tim admits that the raid saw them upgrade everything “significantly”, ranging from CCTV to better lighting and improved locks.

Everything that was taken during the incident has since been replaced and pushed the business to strengthen their security and review the risk management side of their operation.

“It was too little too late for us,” Tim said. “And unfortunately, it is getting far too regular.”

With tool theft continuing to plague tradespeople across the UK, the need for protection – both physical and technological – only continues to grow. In a message for others in an ongoing fight against crime, Tim said: “Don’t assume it won’t happen to you. Invest is good security, keep your inventory up-to-date, and make sure your insurance cover is genuinely suited to the way you operate. Do not skimp on insurance – you will sleep better knowing they are there to support.”