Nearly four in 10 tradespeople are using social media platforms to combat tool theft, according to new research from Direct Line business insurance.
They are using these online channels to warn each other about suspicious sellers, as well as educate themselves on criminal and suspicious activity in their area, the insurer said.
The research also revealed that only a small number of tradespeople are taking additional steps to help minimise the effects of tool theft, such as engraving or marking their tools.
Only small numbers of tradespeople have taken additional steps to protect their vans, such as fitting steering wheel locks, 27%, and installing a CCTV or alarm system, 24%.
Alison Traboulsi, product manager at Direct Line business insurance, said: “Sadly, tool theft continues to be a real threat to tradespeople across the UK. It is great to see that many are using social media to stay informed about tool theft in their area and warn each other about suspicious sellers and other criminal activity.
“However, our research also reveals that many could take extra precautions to help protect their equipment and reduce the impact of tool theft, such as removing tools from vans overnight, parking in safer locations and having the correct insurance in place.”