A NFU Mutual survey has declared that there is a construction site crimewave, with 89% of UK tradespeople having been victims of theft
NFU Mutual is warning tradespeople to step up their security, as new research indicates there is a construction site crime wave sweeping the UK.
World events such as the war in Ukraine have been blamed for straining supply chains and increasing the demand for stolen goods.
Over a third of tradespeople surveyed said that the theft of tools and equipment had impacted their mental health.
However, only two-thirds (59%) had recorded the serial numbers on their equipment, which can be a crucial tool in identifying and retrieving stolen goods.
Over half of tradespeople surveyed had lost income after tool theft
Over three quarters (78%) of tradespeople and contractors admitted they left machinery and tools in a vehicle overnight.
Unfortunately, vans are a key target for criminals and nearly six in ten had experienced theft from their vehicles (58%).
Over half (55%) experienced theft of their items from a building site and 83% said they have left portable tools and equipment on site overnight.
Tradespeople reported the main impacts of this thefts included loss of income (55%) and extra costs to replace or hire new kit (43%).
Over a third reveal theft has an impact on their mental health (34%).
Despite this, the study found an alarming number (43%) of tradespeople don’t have a full list or know the value of what they own, which could make it difficult to report crimes to the police or track recovered items back to their owners.
The Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill is progressing through Parliament
The study by NFU Mutual comes as the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill has passed through the House of Commons and is expected to be signed into law later this summer.
It aims to ensure high value tools and machinery are marked, registered, and traceable if stolen, making it harder for thieves to sell stolen tools, and help re-unite them with their owners.
NFU Mutual has helped shape the Bill, providing insight at the consultation stage; highlighting the impact of theft, as well as the importance of security, marking tools and keeping an inventory of items.
Beating the construction site crimewave will require a multipronged approach
Zoe Knight, commercial specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “In the current climate as supply is low and demand for stolen equipment is high we are urging people to step up security.
“Tradespeople rely on their tools for their income and to keep the chain of a project on schedule. As our report findings show, the theft of equipment can have a devastating impact professionally, financially and mentally.
“It is crucial that tradespersons are fully supported should the worst happen. The cost of replacing kit and machinery has increased significantly due to supply chain issues in recent times. We are advising tradespeople to know what they own by recording serial numbers and keeping up to date with current market values.”
Since 2010 NFU Mutual has funded a dedicated vehicle theft unit which shares intelligence, delivers training, and works with police forces across the country and overseas to seize millions of pounds of stolen machinery.
The team, which is now part of the new National Construction and Agri Theft Unit (NCATT), is responding to thefts which are hitting both sole traders and large construction firms.
Only 43% had a list or inventory that could help retrieve items
Only 57% of respondents said they would be able to produce a complete list of their tools and value, leaving 43% without a recorded inventory. Only 41% keep photographic evidence of their tools and just 17% video their equipment – yet these are quick and easy ways to keep a record.
Detective Constable Chris Piggott, field intelligence officer for the National Construction and Agri Thefts Team (NCATT), added: “We welcome NFU Mutual’s study and their support for our work and are urging people to secure their property by using marking, tracking and immobilisation as well recording all serial numbers to aid the police to detect and prosecute criminals.
“We often end up on warrants and searches where numerous high value power tools are located, if serial numbers are not recorded these will be untraceable and cannot returned to their rightful owners.
“There is nothing more frustrating than having to hand suspected stolen property back to a known offender, because the person who has lost them didn’t take the time to accurately record the information when they purchase them. This ultimately means that we also can’t prosecute and bring offenders to justice, meaning they can carry on stealing tools without fear of retribution.”
Ways to avoid being a victim of the construction site crimewave include:
- Minimise storage of tools and equipment in vans: a robust, lockable building is preferable with locks which comply with BS3621 where possible. Consider intruder alarms for high value equipment.
- If you have to leave tools and equipment in a van, make sure it’s alarmed and, as a minimum, park against a wall so that doors cannot be opened easily.
- Don’t make it easy for thieves to guess that equipment is kept inside (a van or a building) e.g. by leaving items on display and leaving tools around which may assist an intruder.
- Store portable items within a robust, lockable store that is fixed in place.
- Secure free-standing equipment to fixed point even if within a building e.g. eye bolt in concrete floor with chain and robust padlock. (At least 10mm thickness chain and security grade 5 padlock).
- Restrict and control vehicular access to the work site.
- Consider video security system (temporary systems and temporary intruder alarm systems are available for site use).
- Security mark your tools and equipment (e.g. forensic, engraving or permanent marking) to deter thieves and aid recovery.
- Don’t stockpile high value materials such as lead and copper or leave them around for longer than necessary.
- For construction vehicles, use CESAR marking, tracking and immobilisation to prevent and trace thieves.
- Check all locks and security measures before leaving any site e.g. alarms switched on, cameras facing the right direction and security lights working.
Secured By Design offers a variety of design guides for both developments and construction sites that are continually updated to combat new criminal methods, which you can find here.
