A new study by Markel Direct, the specialist insurer of tradespeople, has revealed that two thirds of tradespeople (66%) have been a victim of tool theft.
The survey, which explores the impact of tool theft on the construction sector, asked 500 UK tradespeople to share their experiences of having their tools stolen – from what kit had been taken, to the location of theft.
The data revealed that 66% of tradespeople had been victim of tool theft, and of the respondents that hadn’t fallen victim to the crime, 27% said they had worked with someone that had – highlighting the scale of the problem across the industry.
The study explored the measures tradespeople took to protect their tools and equipment against theft. Of the respondents who took precautions, removing tools from their work van/vehicle (43%) was the most common method, followed by using secure storage boxes or cabinets (35%) and using CCTV or surveillance systems (34%).
Tools most targeted by thieves
The study also outlined the tools most likely to be stolen by thieves. Of the respondents who had been a victim of tool theft, drills dominated the list with over half (56%) advising they’ve had this tool stolen. In second place was electric screwdrivers, followed closely in third spot by batteries (for tools). The data suggests thieves aren’t just targeting toolkits, but individual components as well.
Most stolen tools
| Most stolen tools | % tradespeople who have had this stolen | |
| 1 | Drill | 56% |
| 2 | Electric screwdriver | 39% |
| 3 | Batteries (for tools) | 36% |
| 4 | Angle grinder | 32% |
| 5 | Hammer | 32% |
| 6 | Saw | 30% |
| 7 | Nail gun | 30% |
| 8 | Spanner, wrench or impact driver | 29% |
| 9 | Sander | 26% |
| 10 | Hedge trimmer | 21% |
| 11 | Power washer | 18% |
The main location of these thefts was in vehicles, with an alarming 35% occurring whilst the tradesperson’s vehicle was parked on site, 29% at home and 22% in public car parks. Eighteen percent of thefts happened when the tradesperson’s tools were stored in an outbuilding (e.g. a shed or garage), whilst 7% occurred when the tools were in their home, highlighting that no location for storing tools is completely safe from being targeted by thieves.
Despite this, the study revealed that less than half (43%) remove their tools from their van at night. Interestingly, even though tool theft is a widespread issue, 33% of respondents advised they didn’t obtain specialist tools insurance.
Tradespeople back tougher sentences for tool thieves
Tool theft has affected tradespeople and the construction sector for a long time – however, in recent years, legislation has been passed through parliament to act as a deterrent to would-be thieves. These include the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 and – more recently – Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill, which is due to receive its second reading in October 2025.
The study asked tradespeople if they would support the introduction of the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill, which would increase the sentencing category for criminals convicted of the theft of tools of trade. An overwhelming 91% of respondents supported the bill.
Rob Rees, Divisional Director at Markel Direct, said: “Our study shows how prevalent and detrimental tool theft is to the trades and construction industry. It’s impacting the livelihoods of tradespeople across the UK, with no location for storing tools completely safe from being targeted by thieves. We welcome new legislation, which aims to reclassify tool theft to a higher sentencing category, acting as a stronger deterrent to would-be thieves”.
Amanda Martin, Labour MP for Portsmouth North, and sponsor of the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill, said: “It’s no surprise that 91% of tradespeople back this bill, tool theft is one of the biggest issues they face. This overwhelming support shows how urgent and widespread the problem is. Too often, sentencing is not reflecting the true harm these thefts cause. I am campaigning to put victims at the heart of sentencing and to ensure courts treat tool theft with the seriousness it deserves, moving these cases to higher harm categories and imposing sentences, whether custodial or community, that truly deter criminals and reduce the number of victims.”
Another solution that could act as a deterrent for thieves is an introduction of a nationwide tool registration scheme, which was backed by 86% of respondents.
To read the full study, visit the Markel Direct website. https://www.markeluk.com/articles/trades-tool-theft-in-uk
To find out more about the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) bill here: https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3908/stages
