UK Tradespeople Share Their Most ‘Out-There’ Ideas to Beat Tool Theft
Posted by: electime 12th February 2026
Tool theft is one of the biggest ongoing issues in construction, continuing to impact thousands of UK tradespeople everyday. The loss equates to millions of pounds and continues to have a significant impact on tradespeople’s livelihoods. On The Tools, the UK’s largest construction community, asked tradespeople one simple question of their social media community.
“What would actually stop tool theft in this industry?”
Over 2000 tradespeople voiced their opinions, demonstrating that this crisis is still very much front-of-mind for Britain’s tradies. The answers ranged from candid to bold, but all with one thing in common – tradespeople are ready for change.
Tradespeople Speak Out
From the practical to drastic, tradespeople took to the comment section to give a mix of innovative and imaginative ideas:
- “Courts should treat tool theft as taking away someone’s livelihood – rather than just theft”
- “Banning the sale of power tools at car boot sales, ALL power tools”
- “Remotely detonated C4 charges in all tools, detonated upon theft.”
- “Testing out tools on thieves, “Thieves under the Hammer” would make a good TV show”
- “A finger for each item taken. Make them easier to spot out and about; will have difficulty doing it again going forward!”
- “Electrified van, touch it and get the shock of a lifetime“
Even when suggestions leant into dark humour, the underlying message was clear: tradespeople are fed up with repeat thefts and lack of serious consequences.
Responses highlighted strong frustration around tool theft, with a large majority of tradespeople viewing it as the loss of their livelihood rather than a minor crime. Key themes included:
- calls for tougher deterrents,
- Improved van security
- Tracking and registration of tools
- Better enforcement and more.
The community voiced a serious concern that current measures are failing to protect tradespeople from increasingly organised theft.
A Crisis Affecting the Majority
On The Tools’ TradeBrain Monthly Insight (November 2024) found that 83 per cent of tradespeople surveyed have had their tools stolen at least once.
Vans still remain the primary target, with 76 per cent of thefts occurring from work vehicles. Despite 94 per cent of tradespeople investing in extra security, spending an average of £626 per van, vans still account for roughly three in four incidents.
“Tool theft isn’t just nicking kit – it’s taking someone’s livelihood. We asked our community how to stop it, and the answers ranged from smart ideas to more outlandish! It just shows how fed up tradespeople are, and why it’s about time the law and the industry actually take notice.”
– Lee Wilcox, Co-Founder & CEO, On The Tools”
Legal Momentum: Crackdown on stricter penalties
The Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill 2024–26, introduced by Amanda Martin MP, aims to treat tool theft as causing “significant additional harm.”
Key points:
- Reclassifies tool theft into a higher harm category, even for items valued under £10,000
- Requires courts to consider lost earnings, business disruption, and vehicle damage, not just the cost of stolen tools
- Increases the likelihood of custodial sentences (6 months to 2 years)
- Recognises tool theft as an attack on livelihoods, not just assets
“This Bill reflects exactly what tradespeople have been saying for years,” added Alice Lester – Senior Brand and PR manager for On The Tools. “Tool theft isn’t petty crime – it’s economically and mentally devastating.”
