TRADESPERSON’S TURMOIL: TOOLS STOLEN EVERY 20 MINUTES
Posted by: electime 28th August 2020
Tools are stolen from a vehicle every 20 minutes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland- A third (30 per cent) of tool thefts from vehicles occur in London, followed shortly by the North West (27 per cent)
- The North West of England has the highest number of tool thefts per person living in the region
Tools are stolen from a tradesperson’s vehicle every 20 minutes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, according to new research from Direct Line – Business. In 2019, there were an alarming 28,681 cases of tool theft from vehicles, equating to 78 incidences every day.
Based on an analysis of data from police forces across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the findings highlight that theft of tools from vehicles is a frequent problem for tradespeople. The loss of vital equipment can present a serious threat to a tradesperson’s livelihood, especially in the current economic climate, preventing them from carrying out work and hitting their pockets hard.
Of the 28,681 incidences of tool theft, nearly a third (30 per cent) were reported in London with the North West (27 per cent) and Yorkshire and Humberside (12 per cent) closely following.
| Region | Reported number of incidents of tool theft from vehicles in 2019 | |
| Number | Percentage | |
| London | 8633 | 30 |
| North West | 7627 | 27 |
| Yorkshire and Humber | 3333 | 12 |
| West Midlands | 2499 | 9 |
| East of England | 2303 | 8 |
| South East | 1426 | 5 |
| East Midlands | 1249 | 4 |
| South West | 902 | 3 |
| Northern Ireland | 221 | <1 |
| North East | 176 | <1 |
| Wales | 112 | <1 |
| Total | 28681 | 100% |
When considering population density, the North West had the most accounts of tool theft per resident, with Lancashire Constabulary reporting the highest levels of thefts in the region – an alarming 4,440 in one year.
Nandita Borkakoti, product manager at Direct Line – Business, said:
“This new research reveals the shocking frequency of tool theft from vehicles. Tool theft is hugely disruptive and often results in tradespeople missing out on jobs. It’s vital they do all they can to protect themselves. Making sure their vehicles are secured, they’re diligent with locking away tools when unsupervised and that they have the appropriate insurance in place.”
With our new Tools Essentials offering we’ll help tradespeople get back to work quickly by helping to replace their essential tools within 24 hours, with an upfront faster payment of up to £1,500, subject to claims validation. Tools Essentials is available to all customers who have a valid tools claim and policy with Direct Line, whether from a locked vehicle, a secured garage, home or lock-up. Claims can be reported between 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday, except Bank Holidays, and policy limits apply.
Borkakoti added: “At Direct Line – Business, we understand the major inconvenience of having tools stolen and the impact this can have on tradespeople’s ability to work and finances. Our Tools Cover is invaluable to tradespeople, giving them peace of mind, helping them to get back to work quickly should they fall victim to tool theft. When it comes to protecting tradespeople across the UK, we’re on it.”
For tips on how to keep your van and tools safe please see: https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/van-insurance/knowledge-centre/your-van-and-your-business/what-van-security-improvements-can-i-make
For more information about Direct Line – Business’ van and tradespeople insurance, please visit our website:
https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/public-liability-insurance/tradesman-insurance
