Tool Theft Costs UK Tradespeople £294m a Year, with East Anglia Hit Hardest

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  Posted by: electime      29th October 2025

  • October identified as peak month for tool theft, as darker evenings increase risk
  • Average value of stolen tools rose 18 per cent since 2020, despite fewer overall claims
  • Nearly one in five (18 per cent) tool theft claims came from East Anglia in 2024

Tool theft cost UK tradespeople £294 million in 2024 alone, according to new analysis of claims data from Simply Business. East Anglia emerged as the most affected region, accounting for nearly one in five (18 per cent) tool theft claims the insurance provider received last year. The findings highlight a growing threat to the livelihoods of skilled workers, as the value of stolen goods continues to rise.

Regional disparities are stark, with significant variations showing where workers are most vulnerable. East Anglia leads the country accounting for 18 per cent of claims received, followed by the North East (16 per cent) and the Midlands (15 per cent). The Midlands saw the sharpest rise in average claim value over the past five years, up 62 per cent, followed by Scotland (53 per cent) and the North East (45 per cent).

While the total number of tool theft claims dropped by 21 per cent in 2024 compared to previous years, the average value of stolen tools surged by 18 per cent – climbing from £2,778 in 2020 to £3,291 in 2024. This suggests higher-value equipment is being targeted, leaving tradespeople with more costly and disruptive losses.

Despite accounting for just 3 per cent of all claims, Scotland records the highest average loss per incident (£3,342 per claim), highlighting how the financial impact of theft can vary significantly across the UK.

Tool Theft Hotspots in the UK:

  1. East Anglia: 18 per cent
  2. North East: 16 per cent
  3. Midlands: 15 per cent
  4. South Central: 12 per cent
  5. South East: 11 per cent

October was the peak month for tool theft in 2024, coinciding with the clocks going back and darker evenings, which provide more cover for opportunistic theft.

Julie Fisher, UK CEO of Simply Business, said: “We know that behind each tool theft claim is a tradesperson who’s had their livelihood disrupted. We insure over 300,000 thousand tradespeople in the UK and we understand how devastating tool theft can be for each and every one of them. We’re committed to helping tradespeople protect their livelihoods so they can run their business with peace of mind.”

Simply Business’ Top 5 Tips for Preventing Tool Theft

  1. Park against a wall – Aim to park with sliding or rear doors against a wall or sturdy fence so it’s difficult for them to be opened. You should park in busy, well-lit areas, and preferably in view of a CCTV camera.
  2. Remove tools overnight –Nowadays, a lot of break ins can be from ‘peel and steal’ and electronic key fobs, so even well-secured vans are at risk. If you can, remove tools from your vehicle overnight to completely reduce the risk of losing them, even if an attempt is made.
  3. Mark your tools– Having identification marks on your tools (e.g. from paint or permanent marker) makes it difficult for stolen tools to be sold on. It also helps to recognise you as the owner if they’re recovered. There are companies who offer this service and can assist in recovering stolen tools
  4. Record serial numbers– Make a note of serial numbers, as well as the make and model of tools you own. Providing this to police in the event of them being stolen will help to identify your tools if they’re found, as well as easing the process of making an insurance claim.
  5. Consider insuring your tools– Replacing your tools is likely to be expensive. Having insurance in place can help to give you peace of mind as well as support with the sudden financial shock of tool theft. Check your policy and if you don’t already have tools insurance included, consider adding it on. You should also check your policy wording to find out exactly what’s covered, what the limits and excesses are, and if there’s any exceptions to be aware of.

For more information on tool theft hotspots and how to protect your business visit https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/knowledge/trades/uk-tool-theft-hotspots-revealed/