Tool theft is costing UK tradespeople thousands of pounds each time, with new research revealing that the average cost of replacing stolen equipment now stands at £3,092 — despite more than a quarter of workers continuing to store tools in vehicles overnight.
A survey of 500 UK tradespeople by temporary business van insurance specialist Tempcover found that over seven in ten (72%) have been victims of tool theft, either directly or through the theft of a van containing tools. More than a quarter (27%) said they had experienced tool theft on more than one occasion.
For many, the impact goes far beyond inconvenience. Stolen tools can bring work to an immediate halt, disrupt schedules and leave tradespeople significantly out of pocket while replacements are sourced.
The findings highlight a clear disconnect between concern and behaviour. While 88% of respondents said they are worried about tool theft, 28% admitted they usually leave their tools in a locked vehicle overnight — a practice security experts consistently warn against due to the risk of opportunistic crime.
More than half of tradespeople (53%) said they store tools in a locked garage or workshop, while 41% take them into their home. Around 22% keep tools on site. However, among those who have never experienced tool theft, nearly half (48%) said they have not changed their security habits, despite the risks.
By contrast, those who had been targeted were far more likely to take action. Of tradespeople who had experienced tool theft, 96% said they changed their behaviour, including taking tools indoors overnight, installing lockable toolboxes and upgrading van security.
The research also uncovered significant variation in how tradespeople insure their tools. Just over a quarter (27%) have a dedicated tools insurance policy, while 22% rely on cover included in their van or vehicle insurance. A further 13% depend on home contents insurance, which may not always provide adequate protection for business equipment.
Smaller numbers are insured through their employer (8%) or another type of policy (2%), while 6% reported having only partial cover. Worryingly, almost one in five tradespeople (18%) said they currently have no insurance for their tools at all.
Claire Wills-McKissick, temporary business van insurance expert at Tempcover, said the findings show many tradespeople remain unnecessarily exposed.
“Our research highlights that while most tradespeople are concerned about tool theft, many are still leaving themselves exposed,” she said. “Whether it’s your own van, a company vehicle, or a borrowed van with temporary insurance, leaving tools unattended or overnight can put them at risk — and potentially invalidate an insurance claim.”
She added that relatively simple steps can significantly reduce risk.
“Taking tools inside, using lockable toolboxes, keeping a detailed inventory and marking equipment can make a real difference. Planning ahead and taking these precautions doesn’t just protect your tools; it can also help prevent costly delays and serious financial loss.”
With tool theft continuing to affect a majority of UK tradespeople, the research suggests that improving day-to-day security habits — and ensuring adequate insurance cover — could be as important as any technological solution in protecting livelihoods.
