Tool theft falls nationwide as tradies fight back

• 40 million worth of tools were stolen in 2024
• A tool theft was reported to the police on average every 21 minutes 
• 25,525 tool thefts were reported in 2024
• Tool theft fell by 18 per cent nationwide in 2024 
• Almost four in five (79 per cent) of tradespeople have experienced theft of tools at some point

Police forces around the UK recorded a tool theft on average every 21 minutes last year, reveals a Freedom of Information data obtained by Direct Line business insurance.1 Over 25,525 tool thefts were reported to police last year, equating to 70 tool thefts per day, with the total value of tools stolen estimated to be £40 million.2

Over the past year, tradespeople have taken a stand by advocating for restrictions on the sale of second-hand tools and tougher sentencing for tool thieves. Their efforts may have been the catalyst for tool theft falling by 18 per cent in 2024 – a significant decline after at least four years of rising numbers since Direct Line first began reporting tool theft figures in 2020. 

Tool thefts from a vehicle specifically totalled 12,414 in 2024, accounting for almost half (49 per cent) of thefts overall. This comes despite 97 per cent of tradespeople taking additional precautions to secure their tools, in efforts to reduce the £16 million3 worth of business that has been collectively lost by trades as a result of tool theft in 2024. 

Accounting for population, police forces with the highest levels of tool theft recorded per resident in 2024 included the City of London Police, West Yorkshire Police, and Hertfordshire Constabulary. But when isolated to tool thefts from a vehicle, Hertfordshire Constabulary comes out on top, followed by the Metropolitan Police Service and West Yorkshire Police.

Table 1: Police forces with the highest levels of tool theft per resident in 2024

Source: Direct Line business insurance 2025

Despite the overall fall in reported tool theft, some areas of the country continued to experience a rise in tool thefts last year. 10 police forces reported a rise, with the largest increases appearing from forces including Derbyshire Constabulary (up by 36 per cent), Dorset Police (31 per cent increase), Heddlu Gwent Police (31 per cent increase), and Suffolk Constabulary (18 per cent increase). 

Table 2: Police forces that reported rising tool theft in 2024

Source: Direct Line business insurance 2025

Meanwhile, 19 police forces recorded a fall in reported tool theft, including the Metropolitan Police Service whose data showed 4,000 fewer crimes than in 2023. 

Shockingly, 79 per cent of tradespeople have said they had experienced theft of tools at some point in their lives.4 And despite the reported decline in thefts overall, tool theft remains a growing concern among tradespeople, with 65 per cent4 believing it has increased over the past year. There is a possibility however, that with the crime so prevalent many tradespeople have potentially stopped reporting it.

When it comes to the general public, further research from Direct Line business insurance found that almost three in ten Brits (28 per cent) 2 have purchased second tools, but three quarters (75 per cent) would not feel confident identifying stolen tools being resold, highlighting the extent to which stricter regulation on the resale of tools could help reduce the frequency of these thefts by making their payoff less accessible.

Inspector Mark Connolly, from the Met Police neighbourhood policing team, said: "We know tool theft has a significant impact on tradespeople. We're working hard across the Met to tackle it through targeted operations and prevention, such as tool marking events and intelligence-led activity to tackle organised crime groups selling stolen goods.”

“Since April, Met officers have seized more than 2,600 suspected stolen tools worth an estimated £550,000 at two car boot sales in east London and made 10 arrests.”

"Marking tools, recording serial numbers and taking photographs are just some of the ways tradespeople can ensure that, in the event of theft, we have more chance of returning their property.”

Mark Summerville, SME Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance, commented: “It’s important that all instances of tool theft are reported so police forces and lawmakers understand the full extent of the issue helping them to identify offender patterns and to allocate resources to combat these crimes. Tool theft remains a huge concern for tradespeople across the country. Our data shows the value of each tool theft claim is actually on the rise, even though the overall volume of claims is moving downwards. The tool theft problem in the UK is still devastating for our many hardworking tradespeople who contribute so much to our lives and the economy.”

“We encourage tradespeople to take proactive measures to secure their tools, such as parking in a well-lit, secure area, installing additional locks and external alarm systems on vans. It's also important to use forensic marking on tools, as it allows stolen items to be traced back to their owners. Without identifiable markings, police often struggle to link recovered tools to victims, making it difficult to press charges against the thief. Tradespeople should also ensure they have adequate insurance in place to help them get back to work quickly should they become a victim of tool theft.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

 1  FOI request to all police forces across the United Kingdom. From 45 police forces contacted, 29 departments responded with usable data.

2 The average value of tools stolen was £1565.02 (see note 4 below). £1565.02 * 25,525 (overall tool theft in 2024) = £39,953,526.50 estimated value of tools stolen.

3 The average value of lost business as a result of tool theft was £622.72 (see note 4 below). £622.72 * 25,525 (overall tool theft in 2024) = £15,894,928 total value of lost business as a result of tool theft.

4 Censuswide survey with 500 UK tradespeople. The data was collected between 10.01.2025 and 15.01.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

5 Opinium survey with a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults. The data was collected between 07.01.2025 and 10.01.2025. 

For further information please contact:   

Direct Line Group 

Unni Henry, PR Manager   

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk

About Direct Line business insurance  

Launched in 2007 Direct Line business insurance now has over half a million customer policies, providing a flexible range of insurance products for the landlord, van and small business sectors.  

Direct Line business insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.  

Direct Line business insurance and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.  

Customers can find out more about Direct Line business insurance products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk