Tool theft is an increasingly serious issue for tradespeople across the UK. Recent analysis by Direct Line Business Insurance (2024) reveals a staggering £98 million worth of tools were stolen from tradespeople in 2023 alone. This equates to a tool theft reported every 12 minutes, with 44,514 incidents reported to police forces—a five per cent increase from 2022.
Common Methods of Tool Theft
Thieves are continually devising new ways to break into vehicles, including:
Force Entry: Using tools like drills and pliers to forcibly open locks, often successfully if the van lacks an alarm.
Door Peeling: Peeling open vehicle doors, panels, or gaps in the van’s structure.
Bodywork Puncturing: Puncturing the vehicle’s bodywork to access and disable internal security systems like the can bus, internal locks, and alarms.
Keyless Entry Exploitation: Using devices that trick the van into thinking the remote key fob is nearby, unlocking the vehicle.
The Importance of Insurance
The financial impact of tool theft is further compounded by insurance considerations. Not all policies cover the cost of replacing stolen or damaged tools, making it crucial for tradespeople to review their insurance coverage thoroughly. The UK Government has no plans to ban the sale of used power tools at car boot sales and markets, but it is consulting on extending the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 to require forensic marking on power tools to prevent theft and resale.
Steps to Protect Your Tools
To safeguard your tools and business, consider implementing the following measures:
- Fit Alarms, Deadlocks, and Additional Locks: Secure your van interior with robust security systems
- Use a Signal Blocking Pouch: Store your keys in a pouch that blocks signals to prevent keyless entry theft
- Install a High Security Tool Chest: Bolt a high-security tool chest to the vehicle cargo floor and display a sticker indicating its presence
- Strategic Parking: Park in well-lit, populated areas with CCTV, positioning your van so that rear and side doors are not easily accessible
- Tool Trackers: Equip tools with trackers that emit unique GPS radio frequencies or GSM signals
- Asset Stickers and Forensic Marking: Mark your tools with asset stickers or a forensic marking solution
- CCTV Inside the Van: Install a CCTV camera to monitor the interior of your van
- Remove Tools Overnight: Take tools out of the vehicle overnight and display a sticker indicating no tools are left inside
Stay Vigilant and Proactive
At Steve Willis Training, we urge our customers to be extra vigilant and proactive in protecting their tools and business. The financial and operational impact of tool theft can be devastating, but by taking the right precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk and ensure your livelihood remains secure.
