New research by blip small business insurance reveals that the number of tool thefts spiked by 39% during the summer months in 2024, putting UK tradespeople at an even greater risk of financial loss and disruption to their livelihoods ... What does this mean for trades?
New research by blip small business insurance reveals that the number of tool thefts spiked by 39% during the summer months in 2024, putting UK tradespeople at an even greater risk of financial loss and disruption to their livelihoods. The research strengthens calls for Parliament to approve the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill, a private member’s bill sponsored by Amanda Martin, the Labour Member of Parliament for Portsmouth North. This insight comes from a series of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests submitted to UK police forces analysing monthly reports of tool theft from both commercial premises and motor vehicles. 25 police forces responded, providing a representative national snapshot of the scale and pattern of thefts affecting self-employed builders, electricians, plumbers, and other skilled tradespeople.From May to July 2024, reported tool thefts rose by 39 percent, increasing from 666 incidents in May to 924 in July.
The trend begins to reverse in September, falling by 22 percent to 724 incidents. This seasonal spike aligns with peak construction months when tradespeople are most active, working longer hours and taking on time-sensitive projects that rely on stable weather conditions.The FOI data also highlights that tools are far more likely to be stolen from vans than from commercial premises. On average, 445 thefts from motor vehicles were reported each month compared to 302 from commercial premises, underscoring the vulnerability of mobile tradespeople who often store tools in vehicles overnight.