New data from Simply Business reveals the exact month (and place) tradespeople’s tools are most likely to be stolen in the UK.
The study, which analyses claims data from 2020 to 2024, reveals not only where tradespeople are most likely to be hit, but also the escalating financial stakes for the UK’s small business owners.
When to be most vigilant – darker nights cause rise in tool theft
If you thought you could relax in the lead-up to winter, think again. Our data on when tool theft is most likely to occur paints a very clear picture – with darker nights pointing to a rise in tool thefts.
The month you’re most likely to have your tools stolen is October – which recorded the highest number of total claims in 2024, representing nine per cent of the entire year’s thefts.
This spike coincides with the time of year when the days get shorter and the hours of darkness increase, providing thieves with greater cover for their opportunistic crimes.
The lowest number of claims for 2024 was in December before starting to rise again in January.
Regional risk: hotspots for thefts and biggest losses
The data also reveals the UK tool theft hotspots, both in terms of the likelihood of a theft occurring and the potential financial damage.
Hotspots for highest number of claims
When examining the number of claims filed in 2024, some regions emerge as clear hotspots for tool theft. The area with the highest number of claims was East Anglia, accounting for 18 per cent of all incidents. It was closely followed by the North East with 16 per cent of claims, and the Midlands with 15 per cent.
Surprisingly, the traditionally high-population area of London recorded a lower number of total claims (just eight per cent) than most regions in England, suggesting that while local police data may vary, on an insurance claim level, the top risk areas lie elsewhere.
| Region | Percentage of all claims in 2024 |
| East Anglia | 18% |
| North East | 16% |
| Midlands | 15% |
| South Central | 12% |
| South East | 11% |
| London | 8% |
| North West | 7% |
| South West | 7% |
| Wales | 3% |
| Scotland | 3% |
Based on the number of Simply Business tool theft claims in 2024.
The rising cost of tool theft: more at stake for tradespeople
The financial burden of tool theft is not static, it’s a rapidly rising cost. Focusing on the average value of claims paid by Simply Business over the last five years reveals a disturbing trend.
In 2020, the average claim settled for stolen tools stood at £2,778. By 2021, this average had surged by 12 per cent to £3,119, reflecting the rising price of quality power tools and equipment.
While 2022 saw a temporary dip, by 2023 the average claim value rocketed again by 14 per cent. Even with a flat growth rate of zero per cent in 2024, the final figure remains significantly higher than it was four years prior, sitting at £3,291.
This upward trend over time underscores a critical reality: there is more at stake for tradespeople than ever before.
Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill – could it help?
No matter the time or place a tool theft takes place, it can have a serious impact on the lives of tradespeople. Which is why the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill, currently on its second reading in parliament, is such a hot topic.
Tool theft is currently classified as ‘harm category 3’ due to the value of the stolen tools often being under £10,000. But the Bill proposes to reclassify this as a more serious crime, raising it to ‘harm category 2’, which would allow courts to give harsher sentences.
The Bill wants courts to consider lost earnings, business disruption, and repair costs when sentencing – and not just the monetary value of the tools.
‘Behind each tool theft claim is a disrupted livelihood’
“We know that behind each tool theft claim is a tradesperson who’s had their livelihood disrupted,” said Julie Fisher, UK CEO of Simply Business.
“We insure over 300,000 thousand tradespeople in the UK and we understand how devastating tool theft can be for each and every one of them. We’re committed to helping tradespeople protect their livelihoods so they can run their business with peace of mind.”
Top 5 tips for preventing tool theft
- Park against a wall – aim to park with sliding or rear doors against a wall or sturdy fence so it’s difficult for them to be opened. You should park in busy, well-lit areas, and preferably in view of a CCTV camera.
- Remove tools overnight – a lot of break-ins can be from ‘peel and steal’ and electronic key fobs, so even well-secured vans are at risk. If you can, remove tools from your vehicle overnight to reduce the risk of losing them.
- Mark your tools – having identification marks on your tools (e.g. from paint or permanent marker) makes it difficult for to be sold on if they’re stolen. It also helps to recognise you as the owner if they’re recovered.
- Record serial numbers – make a note of serial numbers, as well as the make and model of tools you own. Providing this to police in the event of them being stolen will help to identify your tools if they’re found, as well as easing the process of making an insurance claim.
- Insure your tools – replacing your tools is likely to be expensive. Having insurance in place can help to give you peace of mind as well as support with the sudden financial shock of tool theft. Check your policy and if you don’t already have tools insurance included, consider adding it on.
Key takeaways – how tradespeople can stay prepared
The takeaway for every tradesperson is clear: the threat is real, the financial impact is growing, and being located in East Anglia, the North East, or the Midlands, or working during the dark evenings of October, can increase the risk of tool theft.
To reduce the chances of being a victim of tool theft, tradespeople should consider:
- investing in better van security
- not leaving tools in a vehicle overnight
- making sure your insurance covers tool theft
More guides for tradespeople
- Which trade earns the most – and where?
- How to get Google reviews for your business: 7 practical tips
- Making Tax Digital for business income tax
- Tax year dates for small businesses – important dates to remember
Looking for tool insurance?
As one of the UK’s biggest business insurance providers, we offer tool insurance for tradespeople. Take a look and build a quick, tailored insurance policy for your trade today.