Over half of tradespeople expect the tool theft epidemic to worsen as the cost-of-living crisis continues, with 4 in 5 experiencing tool theft this year
A report into the tool theft epidemic has found that as the economic squeeze continues, over half (58%) of tradespeople believe that a rise in tool theft is inevitable.
The ‘Tradespeople Against Tool Theft’ white paper found that overall, 4 in 5 (78%) tradespeople have experienced tool theft totalling an estimated £2.8bn worth of tools stolen across the UK.
Three in five (59%) have experienced tool theft in the past year alone, compared to only 17% 1-2 years ago. With tool theft costing the average tradesperson £4,470, construction workers have understandable concerns about the future.
Increased anxiety and wariness have been reported among tradespeople
The report finds a clear impact on the mental health of tradespeople, with more than one in six (15%) experiencing increased anxiety and as many as one in five saying they’re consequently less able to trust others as a result of the tool theft epidemic.
The research also revealed the level of distress can cause people to blame themselves for not ‘triple checking’ that tools were properly secured.
Many even cite physical symptoms such as headaches or lack of sleep due to worrying about their tools being stolen.
James Reeve, a self-employed Midlands-based painter & decorator who recently had his tools stolen, said: “It’s not like going into a store of a multi-billion pound conglomerate to steal a packet of sweets – you’re stealing someone’s livelihood. It should be treated in a similar way to an assault because that’s basically what it is. You’re taking people’s belongings, which results in potentially taking food off a family’s table. You don’t know what the impact of it is going to be.”
Many tradespeople have even been targeted in their own homes
39% of tradespeople reported having their tools stolen from their van whilst it was parked directly outside their home.
A further one in five (20%) say they’ve had tools stolen from their place of work.
Over half (52%) did not have tool insurance at the time of taking the survey, leaving many with little choice but to delay further work as they replace their stolen equipment.
More action is needed from customers and the government
Consumer awareness around tool theft is high, with 71% of consumers believing that the average tradesperson has had their tools stolen once or more during the past year.
Yet, according to the study, over a fifth (23%) of consumers purchased second-hand and/or refurbished tools, out of which 19% of consumers purchased without making any checks.
A Bill proposing a requirement for persons selling second-hand tools online to show the serial numbers of those tools in searchable advertisement text and for connected purposes has been in limbo since April 2021, providing little legal support to tradespeople.
The Stamp Out Tool Theft campaign is being relaunched to highlight the tool theft epidemic
Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business, commented: “We’ve seen the profound impact of tool theft first-hand, costing tradespeople £4,470 on average. Those on the receiving end are often forced to take time off work, and the financial hit and longer-term repercussions on future business.
“Tradespeople, like so many other business owners across the country, continue to battle rising costs, surging energy prices, and material shortages, all while continuing their recovery from the impact of the pandemic.
“At the very least, in the midst of a cost of living crisis, there needs to be wider recognition of the fact that tool theft poses countless problems – impacting both finances and wellbeing.
“That’s why we’re re-launching our campaign to Stamp Out Tool Theft. We hope that by shining a light on the scale and depth of the problem, revealing the true stories of those affected, and offering practical support for the community, we can contribute positively to change.”
Lee Wilcox, CEO of On The Tools, added: “Tool theft is crippling our industry. It’s an issue that impacts an immense proportion of UK tradespeople and can no longer be ignored.
“The Tradespeople Against Tool Theft white paper was created to reveal the widespread consequences of this crime, from the financial impacts to the emotional consequences and more.
“I am hopeful that by distributing this white paper to all corners of the construction industry and beyond, we can encourage the issue to be taken as seriously as it should be, improving the situation for UK tradespeople once and for all. I would also like to thank the industry sponsors and supporters of this research for your invaluable contributions.”
