Tradespeople fight back against tool theft: Major London rally demands tougher punishment
In a show of unity and frustration, tradespeople from across the UK took to the streets in a major van…
Ahead of Amanda Martin MP’s 2nd reading of her Theft of Tools of Trade Bill in April, Checkatrade and On The Tools joined forces with her to host a Parliament breakfast, raising awareness of the growing UK tool theft epidemic.
Amanda Martin MP joined forces with Checkatrade and On The Tools last week to host a Tool Theft Reception, bringing the topic to Parliament, raising awareness of her Theft of Tools of Trade Bill, and pushing support for her petition to end tool theft.
The event, hosted at the House of Commons, follows 100s of tradespeople from across the UK gathering in London last month, protesting for fixes for what’s being described as a tool theft “plague” – all aiming to raise tool theft awareness in the UK.
The Tool Theft Reception: an “incredible event”
The morning provided an opportunity for open conversations about the issues linked with tool theft that go further than just loss of tools. It was later described by Emma Grant from Checkatrade as “an incredible event”.
Attended by Kingsbridge’s very own Dan Prior and Paige Grisley, it brought together experts from across the industry. Speaking with Dan after, Emma recounted how it showed “passion and the desire to make a change”, particularly from policy makers and the various businesses in the room.
A range of topics were highlighted, with key takeaways that are important in understanding the true effects of tool theft on the trades industry.
The financial cost of tool theft
The financial impact of tool theft can be crippling for tradespeople, with On The Tools reporting that over £34.6 million worth of tools was stolen across 2021-2022. Stephen Baker, owner of S.B Multitrade, spoke at the event, recalling an incident in February 2023 when £12-15k was stolen from his van. He describes how his van was “turned over”, taking them only “22 seconds to get in [his] van, 4 and half minutes to empty it”.
Speaking to the BBC earlier this year, Stephen explains “It’s not just your tools that have gone missing, it’s your career, your way of providing for family, it’s everything. It’s horrible”.
The rate of tool theft is only increasing in the UK
Amanda Martin MP also took some time to speak at her event, explaining how these “stories aren’t rare” and are unfortunately “happening in every corner of this country every single day”.
Figures from On The Tools’ November 2024 Survey (Trade Brain Membership Subscriber exclusive) highlighted a staggering 76% of tradespeople reported having tools stolen in 2024. This is down from the 2022 figure of 78% but is caveated by an increase in repeat thefts – 2024 data shows 23% of tradespeople experienced three thefts and 15% reported more than three.
Punishment unreflective of the harm theft causes
Unfortunately, right now the consequences of tool theft don’t account for the true impact on the people behind the businesses affected. Amanda Martin MP touched on the topic – “right now… guidelines focus only on the value of stolen goods”.
She elaborated, “if your tools are worth less than 10 grand, thieves often get nothing more than a community order”. Of course, as Amanda adds, this doesn’t reflect the full harm that the crime causes. In fact, On The Tools reports 73% of tradespeople agree that tool theft should carry a heavier penalty than general theft.
Effects of theft on mental health
One of the most significant issues of tool theft raised at the meeting was how it takes its toll on tradespeople’s mental health. After speaking at the event, Stephen Baker (S.B Multitrade) shared his company’s story on social media, including how far the impact on his mental health went.
Speaking to Kingsbridge’s Dan Prior, Checkatrade’s Emma Grant also mentioned “a lot of the speakers referenced the impact of mental health on our trades when they experience tool theft”, something a lot of the speakers and businesses in attendance felt “incredibly passionate about”.
Trades industry not in the same spotlight as other UK industries
Co-founder and CEO of On The Tools, Lee Wilcox expressed support for tradespeople, stating “we’re massively passionate about” improving the lives of every tradesperson in the UK.
He went on to explain his belief that “trades don’t get the same perks, privileges and opportunities as the white-collar world”, adding that it’s “shown in the current state of tool theft”. Lee’s point backs the need for the currently-tabled Theft of Tools of Trade Bill and the importance of backing the petition and raising awareness of the issue.
What’s next for the UK tool theft topic
With the topic gaining momentum, the next step for the Theft of Tools of Trade Bill is its 2nd reading in the House of Commons.
Alongside this, as vocal advocates ourselves, we’d encourage support for the petition to back the bill to end tool theft. Recapping on the “pretty harrowing… stories that [they] heard”, our very own Dan Prior added “the most important thing we need to do at the moment is sign the petition” and “make a difference to the trades”.
How to manage the risk of tool theft
Tool theft is a major issue for the industry, but recent stories of recovered tools highlights the importance of keeping your tools safe, or at least taking measures to aid recovery in the event of theft:
- Secure storage: Remove tools from vehicles overnight (where possible).
- Keep a log: Take photos of tools and make notes of serial numbers.
- Tag your tools: If possible, tag your higher-value tools so they’re trackable.
- Mark them up: Write your name/company and address on tools with paint pens. Make sure to seal with a lacquer.
- Secure your vehicle: If you need store tools in your vehicles, install security cameras inside your van and consider fitting it with more secure locks.
- Have a backup: Despite best efforts, sometimes the worst can happen. Look into insurance that includes your tools so you’re covered.
Choosing the right insurance
Insurance can be a safety net, especially in the event of tool theft. But it’s crucial to keep a few things in mind when shopping around.
- Not all insurance is equal – you’re going to want to compare prices but make sure you also compare what each policy covers and what’s included. Cheapest isn’t always best!
- Look for tools cover – try to find a public liability policy that includes tools cover as standard (many insurers only offer it as an add-on) as an extra layer of protection.
- Double check exclusions – don’t assume you’re covered in every eventuality. Many policies won’t cover tools stolen from a van if left overnight, so read the policy wording carefully (or talk to an insurance broker) before buying.
Support from Kingsbridge
At Kingsbridge we know you have enough to worry about without navigating the world of insurance. That’s why we make it simple to get the cover you require. With our Trades Insurance, you can have a whole tool box (excuse the pun), containing all the cover you need such as tools and equipment insurance – up to £2.5k’s worth of cover included at no extra cost, with claims paid out on tools stolen from your van overnight! Our standard Trades package policy combines Public Liability, Goods and Tools, and Employers’ Liability, with add-ons like Contract Works and Hired in Plant available should you need them.
Get a quote for our Trades insurance or call 01242 312 604 to speak to one of our in-house brokers.
