An annual tool theft survey carried out on behalf of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has found 92% of British tradespeople are losing at least a day of work every time they are the victims of tool theft from their van. For a quarter (26%), this extended into a full week of lost work, meaning drivers are out of pocket and essential work is delayed.
In 2025, the average value of tools stolen in a single theft was £1,710 – and that’s before factoring in the costs of vehicle repairs and lost work – while 13% of survey respondents said the value of tools stolen was in excess of £3,000, putting significant pressure on businesses and van drivers that are already feeling the strain.
One in five (20%) UK van drivers experienced tool theft in 2025, a small reduction versus 2024 (28%). As a result, UK businesses now face a £1.7 billion bill in stolen equipment in 2025.
The survey of 1,000 UK drivers was undertaken by OnePoll in December and covers the 2025 calendar year.
John Ricardo-Neto, Head of Product Planning at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, comments: “Tradespeople deliver essential work all around the country – from builders, plumbers, and electricians, all the way through to delivery drivers. Tool theft continues to threaten these key workers, and the resulting cost, downtime, and worry is an issue for everybody using any of those services.”
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers a range of advanced locking and security systems, such as smart alarms and keyless entry. The new Transporter comes with the intelligent SAFELOCK Locking and Starting System, which prevents the doors being unlocked once a window is smashed.
For more details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ products and services, visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk
