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The most common areas for tool theft in the UK

12 November 2024

The latest figures from 16 police constabularies across the UK about reported tool thefts. Find out where the highest number of tool thefts occur, the most affected trades and the cost of such crimes for tradespeople.

tool theft high-level statistics

Who does tool theft affect?

According to a 2022 white paper authored by On The Tools – the UK’s largest online community for the construction industry:

  • Nearly four in five tradespeople (78%) had experienced tool theft
  • Self-employed tradespeople are 38% more likely to be targeted compared to employed tradespeople
  • Roofers are most affected by tool theft (65%) followed by electricians (58%), plumbers (55%) and carpenters (54%)

Who does tools theft affect?

What is the cost of tool theft for tradespeople?

tools theft spotlight on the uk

Where does tool theft happen?

where does tools theft typically happen?

How does tool theft occur?

tools theft spotlight on the uk

top 5 most commonly stolen tools

Conclusion

  • London, West Yorkshire and Essex have been the areas worst affected by tool theft in recent years, with cases in Cleveland and West Yorkshire on the rise
  • Between 2020 and 2022, crimes involving theft of machinery or tools have declined
  • The most common trades affected were roofers and electricians, with a high proportion of self-employed tradesmen being targeted
  • Theft of tools from vehicles seems to have been the most common type of crime, irrespective of the vehicle’s location
  • With over half of tradesman not having insurance and a third not receiving any compensation after a theft it is important to get tools insurance no matter the size of the company especially now we are into the winter months

Sources

https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-9610/CBP-9610.pdf 
https://www.statista.com/statistics/294729/uk-population-by-region/#:~:text=The%20population%20of%20the%20United,North%20West%20at%207.4%20million.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/877540/leading-police-forces-by-officer-numbers-in-the-uk/ 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_police_forces_of_the_United_Kingdom 
https://www.installeronline.co.uk/over-half-of-tradespeople-expect-tool-theft-epidemic-to-get-worse/ 
https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/knowledge/articles/2022/10/tool-theft-costs-tradespeople-billions/ 
https://www.directlinegroup.co.uk/en/news/brand-news/2020/19102020.html 
https://get.simplybusiness.co.uk/stamp-out-tool-theft/ 
https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/knowledge/articles/2022/10/tool-theft-costs-tradespeople-billions/
https://www.onthetools.tv/home/tradespeople-against-tool-theft-whitepaper/?utm_source=OnTheTools&utm_medium=OTT_Website&utm_campaign=Tool_theft
https://online-learning-college.com/knowledge-hub/interest/crime-uk/#what-type-of-crime-is-most-common/
https://www.directlinegroup.co.uk/en/news/brand-news/2023/26102023.html 
https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/public-liability-insurance/tradesman-insurance 
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/crimeinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2023/
https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/blog/trade-theft-report-2022 
https://www.toolstation.com/campaigns/uk-tool-theft-capitals

Related Trade Direct Insurance blogs

https://www.tradedirectinsurance.co.uk/blog/over-a-quarter-of-van-drivers-have-tools-stolen-from-their-vans/ 
https://www.tradedirectinsurance.co.uk/blog/keep-your-tools-safe-with-some-simple-steps/ 

Trade Direct is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The company is a leading UK independent broker providing a wide range of policies to tradesmen and construction workers.

This note is not intended to give legal or financial advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon for such or regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. In preparing this note we have relied on information sourced from third parties and we make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein. You should not act upon information in this bulletin nor determine not to act, without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. We and our officers, employees or agents shall not be responsible for any loss whatsoever arising from the recipient’s reliance upon any information we provide herein and exclude liability for the content to fullest extent permitted by law.


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