Tool theft is robbing UK tradespeople of more than just their livelihoods – it’s stealing their sleep.
Three in four (77%) say the constant worry about theft is damaging their mental health, according to new research by Simply Business.*
The study of 645 tradespeople comes alongside our claims data, which shows the average value of stolen tool claims has risen 24% since 2020 – which cost tradespeople a £99 million loss in 2025.**
The data also reveals that thieves are adapting their tactics to bypass modern vehicle security. Whole-van theft is down 98% since 2023, as improved immobilisers and vehicle tracking have made stealing entire vehicles much harder.
However, thieves have adjusted, and property damage is now the most reported cause of tool theft. This is the hallmark of “peel and steal” attacks, where van doors are forced open from the top, and tools are stolen from inside.
Keep reading for our top tips on how to help secure your work tools – plus the UK regions which are tool theft hotspots.
51%
of tradespeople have experienced tool theft
94%
never recover stolen tools
UK tool theft hotspots
- East Anglia: 17%
- The Midlands: 15%
- South East England: 13%
- North East England: 12%
- South Central England: 11%
Read more: UK tool theft hotspots: where are your tools most at risk?
6 top tips for van security
There are several simple steps you can take to help protect your van from thieves. Here are five easy ways to improve your security right away.
1. Remember basic security rules
It sounds obvious, but you should lock your doors and windows every single time you leave your van. You need to do this even if you’re just stepping away for a minute to grab a coffee or drop off materials.
Thieves operate quickly and look for easy targets. An unlocked door is an open invitation that could cost you thousands. Make it a habit to double-check your locks before walking away from your vehicle.
2. Install window grills and tints
Windows are usually the weakest point of any trades van. Thieves often smash them to quickly grab whatever is inside without triggering the door alarms.
Fitting internal grills adds a strong physical barrier that stops criminals in their tracks. You can also apply tinted foils to your windows, which obscures the view of your valuables and makes the glass much harder to break.
3. Lock everything inside the van
Your security shouldn’t stop at the exterior doors – consider securing the items inside the van too.
Use heavy-duty padlocks or specialist locking devices to fasten your tools to the frame of the vehicle. This extra layer of security means that even if a thief gets inside, they’ll struggle to take anything valuable.
4. Upgrade your van locks and alarms
Factory-fitted locks are rarely enough to deter a determined thief. You can research aftermarket locks like deadlocks or slamlocks to provide much stronger protection.
A high-quality smart alarm system could be a worthwhile investment for your business. Look for alarms rated Thatcham CAT 1. The Thatcham Research group identifies these as the highest-rated alarm systems currently available.
5. Park smartly and safely
Where you park your van can influence its security. It’s a good idea to park in well-lit areas with plenty of foot traffic and visible CCTV cameras when you can.
If possible, park with your rear or side doors flush against a solid brick wall or sturdy railings. This can physically prevent thieves from prising the doors open. If you park on a driveway at home, consider installing a motion-sensor security light.
6. Store your van keys securely
Keep your van keys in a Faraday pouch or away from easily accessible areas, such as front doors. This can help prevent thieves from replicating the electronic signal from your key fob to unlock your vehicle.
Van security products to consider
Investing in the right security systems can save you money and stress. Here are some popular products to help keep your tools safe.
- stoplocks – a Stoplock links your van’s rear doors together, making it much harder for thieves to pull them apart
- van vaults – these heavy-duty security boxes are bolted to the floor of your van, and a good option to consider if you can’t remove your tools overnight
- window security foil – this film holds your window glass together if someone tries to smash it and can be a way to deter thieves if they can see tools in your van
- dash cams with parking mode – many dash cams can sense movement and start recording when your van is parked, which can give you useful evidence if a theft happens
- Disklok steering wheel lock – the Disklok covers the whole steering wheel, stopping thieves from driving your van away
‘Not just a financial blow’
Julie Fisher, UK CEO of Simply Business, said: “While it’s encouraging to see whole-van theft decrease, tool theft continues to be a significant concern for tradespeople across the UK. Disrupting the lives of those who help build our communities, it’s sobering to hear that over half (51%) of tradespeople have reported experiencing tool theft.
“We insure over 300,000 tradespeople, and understand how distressing tool theft can be. With over two thirds reporting the negative effect of tool theft on their mental health, it’s clear the problem is only intensifying.
“Last year, we paid out over £57 million in claims to support our customers. While this figure covers our entire diverse community of businesses and landlords, it’s a significant reminder of why protection matters.”
Do you have the right insurance?
Before you choose a side hustle, there are a few things you need to consider in order to Even if you follow every security tip and buy the best products, determined thieves can still strike. You need a reliable safety net to help your business recover quickly.
Tool insurance is a vital consideration for every tradesperson. It can cover the cost of replacing your equipment, whether you own it or hire it.
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Frequently asked questions about tool theft
Are tools covered by standard van insurance?
Most standard van insurance policies only cover the vehicle itself. They rarely cover the contents inside the van.
You usually need to add specific tool cover to your policy to protect your equipment. Always check your policy documents to see exactly what is and isn’t covered.
Should I mark my tools?
Yes, marking your tools is recommended. This makes it much harder for thieves to sell on to unsuspecting buyers.
You can use a UV pen to write your name or postcode on the equipment. Alternatively, you can engrave your details directly onto the hard casing of the tools.
What should I do if my tools are stolen?
You should report the theft to the police as soon as you notice your tools are missing to get a reference number, which you’ll need to make an insurance claim. You can also check local selling sites and pawn shops in case the thieves try to offload your gear quickly.
Are you protecting your tools?
As the UK’s biggest business insurance provider, we know the importance of covering your tools. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored tool insurance quote?
*Findings from an online survey of 645 self-employed UK tradespeople conducted between 7 March and 24 March 2026.
Insight compiled using an analysis of Simply Business tool theft insurance claims from 2020-2025.
** Number of self-employed tradespeople in the UK – Statista (ONS) – 748,000
To determine the cost of tool theft to self-employed tradespeople in the UK, we divided the total number of self-employed tradespeople in Q4 2025 (748,000) by the percentage of respondents to our survey in March 2026 who told us they had been affected by tool theft (0.05).
We then multiplied this number by the average value of a tool theft claim received by Simply Business in 2025 (£2,646), to arrive at the total cost to self-employed tradespeople.
748,000 x 0.05 = 37,400
37,400 x £2,646 = £98,960,400