SECTOR INSIGHT

• 2025 saw 26,724 reports of tool theft, the equivalent of a theft every 20 minutes

• Thefts were down 17 % on 2024, however almost a quarter( 23 %) of tradespeople who had tools stolen say they didn’ t report it to the police

• Three quarters( 74 %) of tradespeople say they have been a victim of tool theft, almost a third( 32 %) have been hit more than once

• A third( 34 %) borrowed tools from colleagues and fellow tradespeople to help them keep working following a theft

» LAST YEAR SAW 26,724 reports of tool theft across the UK, the equivalent of a theft every 20 minutes, according to new research [ 1 ] by Direct Line business insurance. While overall thefts fell 17 % compared to 2024, the problem continues to hit hardworking tradespeople with many thefts going unreported.

Further research [ 2 ] by Direct Line found that three quarters( 74 %) of tradespeople surveyed say they have been victims of tool theft in their career, with almost a third( 32 %) having experienced multiple thefts. In the past year alone, almost half( 49 %) of tradespeople said they have had tools stolen. Despite this, almost a quarter( 23 %) of tradespeople who had tools stolen, say they did not report the theft to police.

Tool theft is hugely disruptive, not just financially but also in terms of the impact it has on mental health and lost work. With the average value of stolen tools standing at £ 1,300, an estimated £ 35 million [ 3 ] worth of tools were stolen last year, but the true figure is likely to be far higher, as many thefts go unreported.

Tradespeople are looking out for one another where they can, often using social media to alert others about thefts, suspicious vehicles, and unusual activity in their area. When the worst happens and tools are stolen, family, friends and colleagues are rallying together to support tradespeople so that they can continue working until they manage to replace their tools. A third( 34 %) of tradespeople who have had their tools stolen say they borrowed tools from colleagues to keep jobs on track, while 28 % were able to borrow tools from friends and family.

Table one: How tradespeople kept working after a theft while waiting for their tools to be replaced

Action

I used old or spare tools I already had

I borrowed tools from colleagues or other tradespeople

I borrowed tools from friends and family

I only took on jobs I could do with the tools I had available

Source: Direct Line business insurance

Percentage 42 %

34 %

28 %

20 %

[ 1 ] FOI request to all police forces across the United Kingdom. From 45 police forces contacted, 30 departments responded with usable data. [ 3 ] The average value of tools stolen was £ 1,307.942. £ 1307.94 * 26,724( overall tool theft in 2025) = £ 34,953,388 estimated value of tools stolen.