More than 26,000 tool thefts were reported in the UK last year, according to new data revealed by insurance group Aviva. This latest figure was taken from the data collected from 30 different police forces in the UK; it’s the number of reported thefts rather than the number of claims.
And as for the cost of the claims? The average insurance claim for tool theft in the UK in the same year was £4,206.
Sadly, it’s not a new issue. Tool theft can have a serious impact on a tradesperson’s business. With no tools, there’s no work. This has knock-on effects, causing delays and even cancellations. Not only are there replacement tools to buy, but income can be seriously affected at the same time.
With the days getting shorter this time of year, the research is a timely reminder that tradespeople need to do what they can to protect their tools, because ultimately, it’s their livelihoods.
The simplest one is to always lock your van. Another tip is to remove tools from your van overnight or reverse up to a wall so that the doors can’t be opened. There are extra security measures you can take like tool safes or alarms, marking and registering your tools, and keeping an inventory of what you have.
Practical advice from the trades
Our instructors are sharing their tips to protect tools and sharing a few tales of their own from on site:
“Use a Site Lock box if one is available, and always take tools home at the end of your work day. But try and take only the tools you need and not any unnecessary ones, then keep them close by when using them. Maybe buy a box of your own that can be locked and may be even chained to an area like a pole or gate, if you are working in an area where you won’t be able to see them. And try to assess where you are working; if you feel that it feels a bit uncomfortable, maybe don’t take on the job.” - Mark
“Fit deadlocks on your van!!! Remove all tools every night, regardless. Don't leave any valuables in your van, even when on site - it takes seconds to rip a standard vehicle lock and only a few seconds more to take the lot. Don't leave van doors open (or premises doors for that matter) when loading or unloading tools unless you have somebody on watch.” – Steve
“When I was a supervisor, mainly tools and equipment were stolen from the lockable containers by opportunist thieves on site when left open. The funniest theft I had was a Barbary ape when I was replacing the industrial cladding on the water catchment area in Gibraltar – it pulled the 2 leads apart and ran off with my tat gun!” - Simon