New research by On The Tools has revealed that 75% of UK tradespeople have had their tools stolen and 86% worry about tool theft.
A total of 58% said they worry daily, 26% worry monthly, and 5% worry yearly.
The research coincides with Trades United’s second tool theft rally, which took place in London on 3 February, supported by On The Tools. According to a statement, the rally campaigned for government support, as well as a planned parliamentary reception by On The Tools in collaboration with MP Amanda Martin.
The survey was conducted for the November 2024 edition of the ‘Monthly Insight’ reports offered to those subscribed to On The Tools’ TradeBrain Membership Programme. November’s topic covered the issue of tool theft, two years after the release of On The Tools’ multi-award-nominated research: the Tradespeople Against Tool Theft white paper.
On The Tools found that the average UK tradesperson is likely to have between £1,000 and £5,000 worth of tools stolen from them in just one tool theft incident.
A total of 76% of UK tradespeople reported having their tools stolen in 2024, which is 2% down from 2022. However, the research found that the frequency of theft has shifted since 2022, where 43% of tradespeople reported having their tools stolen once, 37% twice, and 12% three times. Last year’s data showed a rise in repeat thefts. A total of 23% have experienced theft three times, with 15% of tradespeople reporting more than three incidents of theft.
Two years ago, 22.7% of tradespeople admitted they did not report their thefts to the police, often because they didn’t expect meaningful action. In 2024, 87% of UK tradespeople said they did not receive “adequate support” from the police.
Lee Wilcox, CEO and co-founder of On The Tools, said: “Tool theft isn’t slowing down. These findings prove just how urgently action is needed. If this crime were happening in any other industry, at such a scale, it’s hard to believe it would be ignored. So why are tradespeople left to their own devices?
“We need everyone’s support, whether you’re in the trade or not, to amplify this issue. We want action, and we won’t stop until we get it.”