SECTOR INSIGHT |
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The data shows that tool thefts from vehicles accounts for almost 42 % of thefts. Meaning that tradespeople have to contend with vehicle damage as well as having to replace their tools. Previous research shows that over a third of tradespeople( 36 %) had resorted to sometimes transporting their tools in the boot of their car, rather than in their van, to make it less obvious that they are carrying valuable equipment.
Mark Summerville, SME Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance, commented:“ Tool theft
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continues to have a devastating impact on tradespeople across the country, with 81 [ 1 ] % citing it as a concern. While it’ s encouraging to see reported incidents fall, our findings show just how widespread the problem remains, especially when taking into consideration the number of thefts that go unreported.
“ Tool theft is highly disruptive, even with the right insurance in place. If tradespeople do need to keep their tools in a securely locked vehicle overnight, for example when they are working away, it’ s important they check their
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insurance covers theft from a vehicle overnight. Depending on the policy, there may also be an additional premium.
“ We’ re encouraging tradespeople to take proactive steps to protect their tools, including parking in well lit, secure areas and fitting additional van locks or external alarm systems. Forensic marking is also essential, as it enables recovered tools to be traced back to their rightful owners and supports prosecutions against those caught handling stolen tools. It’ s also important to register
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tool serial numbers with manufacturers and the UK National Property Register, and to report all thefts to the police to enable them to track patterns of theft and plan operations against the criminals.”
Recent high profile police operations, such as the Met Police’ s recovery of more than £ 2 million worth of stolen tools, highlight just how vital reporting thefts and marking tools is. Officers can only return recovered tools to their rightful owners if the thefts have been logged, the tools are forensically marked.
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