Tool theft hits two-thirds of UK tradespeople as tougher sentencing bill debate is delayed

Two-thirds (66%) of tradespeople have been victims of tool theft, with the average cost of a theft exceeding £1,500, according to a new study.

The study, by trades insurance specialist Markel Direct, asked 500 tradespeople to share their experiences. Even among those not directly impacted by tool theft, 27% of respondents knew someone who had been.

Some 32% of victims said they had lost 1-2 days of work because of having their tools stolen, leaving them out of pocket and having to find the money to replace the stolen goods.

Legislation proposed to increase the sentencing category for thieves and enable stronger sentencing has been delayed again. The Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill, a private bill sponsored by Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin, was due to have its second reading this month.

Amanda Martin said: “It’s no surprise that 91% of tradespeople back this bill: tool theft is one of the biggest issues they face. This overwhelming support shows how urgent and widespread the problem is. Too often, sentencing does not reflect the true harm these thefts cause.” 

Tradespeople should stay alert when it comes to protecting their equipment, says Markel Direct, and understanding which tools are targeted can be a key first step in reducing risk. Its study found that thieves aren’t just targeting niche equipment; they’re also targeting what’s easy to shift. Drills top the list, lost by 56% of victims, followed by electric screwdrivers (39%).

Battery packs rank third (36%), highlighting a growing vulnerability as cordless tools become standard. Their high cost and compatibility across multiple devices make them particularly attractive to thieves.

The inclusion of basic items such as hammers, saws and spanners suggests many thefts are indiscriminate, with entire toolkits or vans often taken in one incident. 

Markel Direct has created an online tool theft risk assessment that highlights weak points with security and outlines some precautions to take.