There has been a huge increase in the number of tools stolen from vehicles, up 25% in London last year, new figures have revealed.
Between January 2021 and October 2022, a total of 34,712 tool thefts were reported in the capital, with items stolen from vehicles accounting for one-third.
An analysis of Metropolitan Police data by employment specialists Herts Tools has found that tradesmen are 10 times more likely to have their tools stolen from a vehicle than from a construction site.
Not just an economic hit
High-value items such as power tools were the most common targets, followed by common tools.
Builders are the industry most likely to be affected by tool theft, with five times as likely as electricians to have their items stolen. Engineers, plumbers and gardeners are also on the list of high-risk occupations.
Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “With eight in 10 builders reporting they have had their tools stolen before, tool theft has a huge impact on businessmen in the UK. Said to be a serious problem.
“Sadly, over a 40-year working life, a craftsman typically loses £10,000 and six working days to tool theft. As well as adverse financial impacts, tool theft can cause mental health problems and pressure.”
Stefano Lobban, director of Herts Tools, added: “It is disappointing to see a growing tool theft epidemic in London, especially as vehicles are now routinely fitted with anti-theft devices.
“It’s no surprise to see big-ticket items like power hand tools remain the most sought-after items among thieves. Amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the trade in used (and potentially stolen) tools is booming, enticing more people to Stealing tools. We urge people from all walks of life to double check that they have security measures in place to avoid falling victim to crime.”
Tips for preventing tool theft from your van include:
- Do not store tools in the van overnight
- If you must leave any tools in the van, keep them safe
- Always lock the van doors during the day to keep opportunistic thieves out
- Park your car in a busy area covered by CCTV
- put an alarm clock on your van
- Tag the tool with your name and zip code
- Use security tags or chips to deter thieves and aid in recovery if something is stolen
- Paint them in bright colors to make them more recognizable and less attractive to thieves
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