Almost one in four tool thefts go unreported

• 2025 saw 26,724 reports of tool theft, the equivalent of a theft every 20 minutes
• Thefts were down 17% on 2024, however almost a quarter (23%) of tradespeople who had tools stolen say they didn’t report it to the police
• Three quarters (74%) of tradespeople say they have been a victim of tool theft, almost a third (32%) have been hit more than once
• A third (34%) borrowed tools from colleagues and fellow tradespeople to help them keep working following a theft

Last year saw 26,724 reports of tool theft across the UK, the equivalent of a theft every 20 minutes, according to new research¹ by Direct Line business insurance. While overall thefts fell 17% compared to 2024, the problem continues to hit hardworking tradespeople with many thefts going unreported.

Further research² by Direct Line found that three quarters (74%) of tradespeople surveyed say they have been victims of tool theft in their career, with almost a third (32%) having experienced multiple thefts. In the past year alone, almost half (49%) of tradespeople said they have had tools stolen. Despite this, almost a quarter (23%) of tradespeople who had tools stolen, say they did not report the theft to police.

Tool theft is hugely disruptive, not just financially but also in terms of the impact it has on mental health and lost work. With the average value of stolen tools standing at £1,300, an estimated £35 million³ worth of tools were stolen last year, but the true figure is likely to be far higher, as many thefts go unreported.

Tradespeople are looking out for one another where they can, often using social media to alert others about thefts, suspicious vehicles, and unusual activity in their area. When the worst happens and tools are stolen, family, friends and colleagues are rallying together to support tradespeople so that they can continue working until they manage to replace their tools. A third (34%) of tradespeople who have had their tools stolen say they borrowed tools from colleagues to keep jobs on track, while 28% were able to borrow tools from friends and family.

Table one: How tradespeople kept working after a theft while waiting for their tools to be replaced

Source: Direct Line business insurance

The data shows that tool thefts from vehicles accounts for almost 42% of thefts. Meaning that tradespeople have to contend with vehicle damage as well as having to replace their tools. Previous research shows that over a third of tradespeople (36%) had resorted to sometimes transporting their tools in the boot of their car, rather than in their van, to make it less obvious that they are carrying valuable equipment.

Mark Summerville, SME Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance, commented: “Tool theft continues to have a devastating impact on tradespeople across the country, with 81^[1]% citing it as a concern. While it’s encouraging to see reported incidents fall, our findings show just how widespread the problem remains, especially when taking into consideration the number of thefts that go unreported.

“Tool theft is highly disruptive, even with the right insurance in place. If tradespeople do need to keep their tools in a securely locked vehicle overnight, for example when they are working away, it’s important they check their insurance covers theft from a vehicle overnight. Depending on the policy, there may also be an additional premium.

“We’re encouraging tradespeople to take proactive steps to protect their tools, including parking in well‑lit, secure areas and fitting additional van locks or external alarm systems. Forensic marking is also essential, as it enables recovered tools to be traced back to their rightful owners and supports prosecutions against those caught handling stolen tools. It’s also important to register tool serial numbers with manufacturers and the UK National Property Register, and to report all thefts to the police to enable them to track patterns of theft and plan operations against the criminals.”

Recent high‑profile police operations, such as the Met Police’s recovery of more than £2 million worth of stolen tools, highlight just how vital reporting thefts and marking tools is. Officers can only return recovered tools to their rightful owners if the thefts have been logged, the tools are forensically marked.

Direct Line’s top tips to prevent and protect yourself from tool theft:

Remove tools from the vehicle overnight

Take tools out of the van when parked overnight and store them in a secure location.

Park the vehicle in busy, well-lit areas

Whenever possible, park in a busy, well-lit location with CCTV coverage. For added security, park with the rear or side doors against a wall or another vehicle to make access more difficult for thieves. If possible, park in a garage.

Lock the vehicle at all times

Ensure the vehicle is securely locked, no matter how briefly you leave it. Don’t make it easy for opportunistic thieves.

Additional security

Consider installing additional alarms, immobilisers, deadlocks, slam locks, drill plates, and steering wheel locks for extra layers of defence. A GPS tracking device can significantly improve the chances of recovering the van and its contents if stolen.

Mark tools

Marking all tools with a unique identifier (such as SmartWater or SelectaDNA) makes it easier for police to trace them back to their owner if they are stolen and later recovered. It also provides crucial evidence to help prosecute offenders.

Register all tools

Keep a detailed record of all tools, including the make, serial number, and photographs. This will help support insurance claims and assist police investigations. You may also want to register these on Immobilise, the UK's official National Property Register.

Place theft warning stickers on your vehicle's doors and windows

Warn potential thieves about the anti-theft security to deter them.

Insurance

Ensure the van and tools are properly insured. The right insurance can help cover the cost of replacing stolen tools or vehicle damage, helping you get back to work quickly with minimal disruption.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

¹  FOI request to all police forces across the United Kingdom. From 45 police forces contacted, 30 departments responded with usable data.

² Censuswide survey with 500 UK tradespeople. The data was collected between 21.11.2025 and 25.11.2025.  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.

³ The average value of tools stolen was £1,307.94². £1307.94 * 26,724 (overall tool theft in 2025) = £34,953,388 estimated value of tools stolen.

For further information, please contact:

Unni Henry
Brand PR

Email: unni.henry@aviva.com

About Direct Line business insurance

Launched in 2007 Direct Line business insurance provides a flexible range of insurance products for the landlord, van and small business sectors and is part of the Aviva Group.  

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