Tradespeople are leaving their tools in their vehicle on average of ten nights a month, and one in seven (15%) leave their tools in their vehicle every night.
This is according to new data from Direct Line business insurance, which highlights that nearly one-in-five (22%) tradespeople reported having tools stolen from their van in the last 12 months. Two-thirds (62%) of tradespeople say they have been a victim of tool theft in their careers, with a third (34%) having tools taken on multiple occasions.
Vehicles are the most frequent location where tools are stolen, accounting for over half of thefts (59%). Thieves are incredibly brazen, breaking into vans parked directly outside the homes of tradespeople. Vehicles are targeted while parked in the street (26%), parked on the tradesperson’s own drive (22%), parked on site (21 per cent), parked in their garage (19%) and parked in a carpark (4%).
Tool theft can have a significant financial impact on tradespeople, often causing a loss of earnings of hundreds of pounds a week. The most common tools stolen from tradespeople include: hand tools (29 per cent), compressors (27%), power washers (26%), rotary multi tools (22%), hedge trimmers (20%), electric drills (17%), electric saws (16%), angle grinders (16%), nail guns (16%), and electric wood working power tools (16%).
Tradespeople are taking measures to help secure their tools and deal with consequences of tool theft, with many installing additional security (28 per cent). Other steps include becoming a member of social media groups where other tradespeople post about stolen goods (27 per cent), keeping insurance up-to-date (21%) bringing tools indoors to a securely locked building (20%), keeping up-to-date information such as photos, serial numbers and identifying marks (18%), engraving or using invisible ink to mark tools (16%) and using tracking devices (15%).
Alison Traboulsi, product manager at Direct Line business insurance, says: “The frequency of tool theft is a growing concern, with recent research showing that tools were stolen every 15 minutes across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2022. Our latest data reveals vehicles remain the primary target, with nearly two-thirds of all tools stolen from this location. Because of this, it’s important to consider tool security when getting insurance.
“At Direct Line, we understand the consequences of tool theft, and we remain committed to providing tradespeople with the protection they require. Through our flexible insurance options, we empower tradespeople to tailor policies that cater to specific needs, including coverage for tools locked in vehicles overnight or during working hours.”
For more information about Direct Line’s tools cover, click here.
For tips on how to keep your van and tools safe, click here.
