The most common areas for tool theft in the UK
19 December 2025TradeBrain's latest research sheds new light on the ongoing issue of tool theft, revisiting the topic two years after its multi-award-nominated study. In this fresh survey, UK tradespeople were asked to share their personal experiences with tool theft, revealing where it happens, how it impacts them, and the growing concerns surrounding the issue. Keep reading to discover the latest findings and see how the problem has evolved over the past two years.
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Who does tool theft affect?
Tool theft continues to be a major issue for tradespeople, with a significant percentage reporting thefts and a rise in repeat incidents, as highlighted by recent data.
- 83% of tradespeople reported having their tools stolen (SurveyMonkey data).
- 68% of Facebook and Instagram respondents had experienced tool theft.
- 23% of tradespeople reported having their tools stolen three or more times (up from previous years).
- The number of tool thefts reported to police in 2023: 44,514 (a 5% increase from 2022).
Where does tool theft happen?
- 75% of thefts occurred from vans.
- 22.% of thefts were from garages or storage.
- 9% were from customers' homes.
- 31% of thefts occurred at building sites.
These stats show that tool theft occurs across a variety of locations, with vans the most common target, accounting for 75% of incidents—often when tools are left in vehicles at job sites or overnight.
Garages and storage make up 22% of thefts, showing that tools kept at home or in secure areas can still be at risk. Customers' homes account for 9% of thefts, and 31% of thefts happen on building sites, where tools are in use. While these figures highlight the need for extra care, they also show areas where tradespeople can focus on improving security to keep their tools safe.
What is the mental health impact on those affected by tool theft?
- 39% of tradespeople reported a strong impact on their mental health due to tool theft, with the figure rising to 66% among self-employed individuals.
- 86% of tradespeople are concerned about tool theft, though daily worry decreased from 68% in 2022 to 58% in 2024.
These figures highlight the emotional toll tool theft takes on tradespeople, with many feeling the stress and anxiety of losing their tools. While the overall concern remains high, the slight decrease in daily worry may suggest that tradespeople are adapting to the ongoing issue, though the mental health impact is still significant.
Is there a wider need for support?
While many tradespeople still feel that police support for tool theft cases could be improved, there are opportunities for growth in this area.
- 92% of respondents on Facebook and Instagram, and 83% on SurveyMonkey, expressed a desire for more effective law enforcement responses.
- In 2022, only 3.6% of tool theft cases resulted in charges, despite £18.8 million worth of stolen tools.
This highlights the potential for improvement, encouraging both law enforcement and the community to explore new solutions and support systems to address the ongoing issue of tool theft.
How to keep your tools safe
Read our in-depth guide about how to keep your tools safe with some simple steps.
Conclusion
TradeBrain's latest research takes a fresh look at the ongoing problem of tool theft, building on the findings from its award-winning study two years ago.
The new survey shows that tool theft remains a significant issue for UK tradespeople: 83% report their tools have been stolen, and 23% have experienced it multiple times.
Vans are the most common target, but thefts also happen in garages, customer homes, and on building sites. It's not just the financial hit—nearly 40% of tradespeople say tool theft has a serious impact on their mental health.
While concerns about police support remain, the research points to a need for better responses and solutions to help tradespeople protect their tools and livelihoods.
Learn more about Personal Tools Insurance.
Sources
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