68% of tradespeople are victims of tool theft, finds survey

Urgent calls for the Government to ban the resale of stolen power tools at car boot sales and pubs.

A new survey by the plumbing and heating association SNIPEF has found that 68% of tradespeople have fallen victim to tool theft, with increasing incidents occurring not only on-site and from vans but also within their homes.

Conducted in July, the survey of 700 SNIPEF members revealed that tool theft had become a routine challenge for two-thirds of the respondents rather than a sporadic issue. Its impact was substantial, with 63% experiencing significant disruptions to their business operations, 37% facing increased insurance premiums, and 32% dealing with project delays due to thefts.

Moreover, 63% of respondents have witnessed the resale of stolen tools at car boot sales, pubs and market stalls, underscoring the urgent need for stricter regulatory measures in these areas.

Ian Chapman, owner of CHAPS Heating & Plumbing in Edinburgh, expressed his deep frustration: “Having witnessed the devastating effects of tool theft firsthand, I cannot over-emphasise the emotional and financial burden it imposes. Each theft not only hampers my ability to work but also strikes a blow to my family’s livelihood.

“It is critical that the government take tool theft more seriously and implement immediate action to create and enforce laws that protect not just our tools but also our livelihoods.”

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, expressed dismay at the findings, underscoring the broader impact across the construction sector: “These findings are shockingly clear and deeply concerning. With two-thirds of our members reporting routine tool theft, this is no longer an isolated issue but a systemic problem that severely impacts our industry.

“I am currently engaging with other trade associations and professional bodies to explore the formation of a task force to collectively address this issue. I have also written to both Westminster and devolved governments, urging them to take immediate action and implement a ban on second-hand tool sales at informal venues. It is crucial that we close these security gaps to safeguard the livelihoods of our tradespeople.”

Tool theft is a persistent issue causing significant financial losses and operational disruptions across the construction sector. A Direct Line for Business study reveals that tool theft in the UK surged by 54% from 2017 to 2022, with businesses losing an average of £1,692 worth of tools per incident.

Additionally, research from Simply Business found that 98% of individuals within the construction sector have fallen victim to tool theft, with 51% experiencing multiple incidents. The annual cost of tool theft in the construction sector alone is estimated to exceed £100 million.

A petition by gas engineer Shoaib Awan calling for a ban on the sale of used power tools at car boot sales gained over 46,000 signatories before being closed on 30 May, following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement of a general election.

The UK government passed the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023, which aimed to impose stricter controls on the sale and ownership of equipment, including tools used in agriculture and construction. Despite this, stolen tools continue to be sold at car boot sales, market stalls and pubs, continuing the cycle of theft.