More blog items

Tool Theft from Vans is Skyrocketing - What You Need to Know

Tool theft is escalating at an alarming rate. Almost half of tradespeople, targeted by thieves last year, were repeat victims within 12 months. In our latest blog we look at this skyrocketing crime wave and consider precautions to protect valuable tools and equipment.

On the 3rd of February 2025, tradespeople from around the UK held a rally in Westminster, to highlight the escalating problem of tool-theft and call for tougher sentences to deter this impactful crime. Many tradespeople have suffered extreme hardship after losing their tools and expensive equipment to unscrupulous thieves.

Cost of Tool Theft

According to a variety of reports, tool theft costs victims millions of pounds every year. A 2019 study by Simply Business determined that tool theft costs tradespeople over £46 million per year. The same study found that 56% of tradespeople had experienced tool theft and many had been targeted multiple times.

The cost of tool theft isn’t limited to the value of the stolen tools and equipment. Tradespeople rely on their tools to do their work and earn a living. So suffering the loss of this vital equipment means they immediately can’t work. Replacing stolen tools and equipment can take days or much longer, resulting in further lost income and a knock-on impact on those they were working for.

In 2023 there were a reported 44,514 tool theft incidents. This is a worrying 5% increase from the previous year and equates to one tool theft being reported every 12 minutes. Thieves specifically target tradespeople due to the high resale value of stolen tools. Another reason these hard working people are targeted is the ease of theft. Many tradespeople store their tools in their vans and trucks or in insecure locations, making it relatively easy for thieves to strike without being seen or challenged.

Another key reason for the escalation in tool theft is the high demand for tools from both DIY users and professionals. New tools are expensive and thieves know there is a buoyant black market for stolen tools, where buyers don’t ask any questions.

Sadly, there are many cases in which victims of tool theft have suffered both serious financial and emotional impact. In some cases, people have reported losing all of their essential tools in a matter of just seconds, immediately putting them out of business. This has prompted them to consider suicide and left them dealing with mental health issues as well as no longer having the means to make a living and support their families.

Regions of the UK with the highest frequency of tool theft incidents include the City of London, with 592 tool thefts per 100,000 people, and West Yorkshire with 130 tool theft incidents per 100,000 people. But there are no areas of the UK unaffected by tool theft. Thieves are always on the lookout for easy targets where they can access readily resold, expensive tools and equipment.

Vehicle Break-ins

In 2023 tool thefts from vans accounted for 55% of all tool theft incidents. Vans were targeted in 24,543 cases, up by 14% on the previous year. Thieves tend to target these vehicles at night, often while the vans are parked at the owner’s homes or in car parks.

Today’s sophisticated tool thieves use tools like electronic key fob scanners and ‘slim jim’ devices. A ‘slim jim’ is a thin, flat metal tool, designed to be slid between a vehicle’s window and door frame. It has a hook or notch at one end that enables the door locking system to be accessed without triggering a vehicle alarm system.

Tradespeople including electricians, plumbers and construction workers, tend keep valuable tools and equipment in their vans, and thieves know there are attractive valuables locked inside. And many tradespeople park their vans in the same place, night after night. Watchful thieves look out for these opportunities and they know that not all vans are equipped with adequate security protection.

Thieves also know that busy tradespeople don’t security label their tools and equipment. But even if tools are security marked they still have value on the black market as there is no centralised database for recording equipment ownership.

Limited Police Resources

Around £16.3 million worth of tools and equipment were stolen from vehicles across London in 2023. While police forces say that tackling tool theft crime is a high priority their success rate is very low.

For example, in Essex fewer than one in 300 tool theft investigations in 2024 resulted in someone being charged. Nine in ten investigations were dropped without any suspects being identified and tools were only recovered in fewer than one in 100 cases.

Its therefore not surprising that tradespeople think that tool theft is considered, by the police, to be low priority. It is widely thought that limited police resources and a lack of manpower means these crimes are under-investigated.

The UK government has stated that they are working with police forces to find ways to tackle the tool theft epidemic. A bill has been tabled by a Hampshire MP, calling for tougher sentences for tool thieves. As well as stronger sentences, tradespeople are calling for a clampdown on the marketplaces through which stolen tools are often sold.

Second Hand Tool Markets

Stolen tools are often resold through a variety of resale channels. Car boot sales are just one avenue. These unregulated markets attract a high number of bargain-seeking shoppers who don’t tend to ask too many questions about what’s on offer.

Pawn shops might unknowingly accept stolen tools without asking too many questions. But most reputable pawn shops will try to derive evidence of ownership before buying equipment or tools from unknown sellers.

Online marketplaces such as eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace are popular for reselling stolen goods. Much like car boot sales, these unregulated markets attract a high number of online visitors and both the sellers and buyers can generally remain anonymous.

Other black market exchanges can occur through trade networks, pubs and social circles. Stolen equipment and tools might be typically passed off as ‘second hand’ and buyers, keen to get a bargain, will tend to not ask too many questions.

How to Secure Tools in Vans

Preventing tools from being stolen from vans is challenging. But there are many practical steps that can be taken which, in combination, can be enough to ensure tools and equipment remain safe and secure. Here are some primary van security recommendations that should ideally be used in combination.

Remove Valuable Tools and Equipment

If possible, valuable tools and equipment should be removed from vehicles when parked overnight, but this is rarely a practical solution. The volume of tools and equipment many tradespeople keep in their vehicles can take a lot of time and effort to unload at the end of a day and then reload the following morning. And securing these valuables inside a home is also not a very practical solution.

But it may be possible to remove some of the most expensive, essential power tools, for example, and store these in a secure location over night.

Consider Where and How the Van is Parked

Another practical precaution is to park the trades van in a secure location that’s well lit and ideally in sight of CCTV cameras. Also, parking so that van doors can’t be easily accessed is another useful precaution.

Tool thieves are known to track tradespeople and watch their activities to learn where they routinely park their vans. It therefore makes sense to vary the parking spots to be less predictable.

If possible, lock the trades van inside a secure garage that’s well lit and ideally protected with an alarm and CCTV. Locking a vehicle inside a garage will deter all but the most determined thieves.

Keep a Low Profile

Maintaining a low profile is another practical precaution. Many tradespeople promote their businesses by advertising who they are and what they do on the outside of their vans. This signage can attract customers, but it can also attract attention from tool thieves.

Never Leave a Van Unlocked

Never leave a van unlocked, even for a short time. There have been many cases of significant tool theft perpetrated in under a minute, due to the targeted vans being left unlocked while owners popped into a shop. Establish a rigorous routine to ensure the van is always locked and double check all the windows and doors are secure whenever the van is parked, even for very short stops.

Install an Alarm System

Ideally, a trades van should be fitted with a good quality, motion triggered alarm system. Loud alarms are known to deter break ins and some systems will send alerts, via mobile phone, when triggered.

Strengthen Van Door Locks

Installing high quality, beefy locking systems to van doors is another valuable precaution. High quality dead-bolt locks, on van doors, make it far more difficult to break into than standard vehicle door locks. Another option is to invest in a dedicated cargo area locking system inside the van. Even if an intruder breaks into the van they’ll be thwarted by this high security enclosure.

Secure the Van Windows

When thinking about van security, don’t overlook the windows. Beef up van window security with window bars or grills. And window security film is another valuable addition that can prevent people from seeing what’s inside the van.

Install Trackers

Installing trackers, both inside the van and hidden within tools and equipment, is another practical precaution. If the van, or equipment from the van, is ever stolen a tracker will enable its location to be monitored and reported to police.

Security Label All Valuables

 

Investing in security marking on all valuables is another valuable precaution. Security marking valuable tools doesn’t take much time and is very low cost. The labelling can enable stolen items to be identified and returned to their rightful owners.

Use Secure Van Safes and Secure Tool Chests

Secure van safes and tool boxes provide a high level of security for tools stored in vans and other locations such as sheds or working sites.

High quality secure tool boxes are specifically designed and manufactured to deter and prevent break-ins. High quality secure tool boxes are made from heavy duty, toughened steel and have high quality locks and hinges. They are often bolted to the vehicle chassis so that even if a thief gains entry into the van they still can’t easily access the the valuable tools.

Another important benefit provided by secure van tool boxes is compliance with insurance company recommendations. Insurers are suffering due to the high number of claims they face as a result of escalating tool theft crimes. They are therefore becoming more stringent regarding how valuable tools should be stored and secured. Using high quality, certified, secure tool storage solutions meets their requirements and will potentially lower insurance premiums.

We are excited to offer a number of excellent secure tool boxes and tool drawers, ideal for securing tools in the back of a trades van.

Tuffbank Secure Van Storage Boxes

 The Tuffbank range of secure tool storage boxes for vans have been police approved and accredited by Sold Secure and Secured by Design. These boxes use 5-lever deadlocks and feature external and internal anti-jemmy systems to prevent the box from being pried open. They are manufactured from 2mm and 3mm thick steel that’s powder coated for durable protection. Also, the box lids are replaceable, improving reusability and sustainability.

OxBox Secure Van Storage Boxes

 OxBox tool boxes are a robust and dependable tool storage system for the back of a trades van. All of the box components including the hinges, handles, gas struts and locks are the highest quality to ensure tool security. Made from steel plate that’s powder coated for a durable finish, OxBox tool boxes are a cost effective tool storage solution for trades vans.

Trekdror Secure Van Storage Drawers

The Trekdror range of incredibly robust tool storage drawers are not only great for security, they are also ideal for tool and equipment organisation. Available in a variety of sizes these secure drawers are securely locked with twin 5-lever deadbolts and feature a unique roller system that ensures the drawers are always easy to use. They can be bolted in place in the back of a trades van to keep valuable tools safe and secure while maintaining accessibility and convenience.

If you have any questions about van and tool security, or if you have any special requirements, remember we are here to help. Give us a ca ll on 01273 475500 and we’ll provide you with free, expert advice.

This message was added on Thursday 13th February 2025