For all insurers in the vans sector in particular this data is something worth noting and factoring into the risk profile. Tools – especially portable battery powered tools – are a big used market these days, just attend a car boot sale and check. So the risk is likely to increase as more people look to save money by carrying out their own home DIY projects, car repairs, bicycle fettling etc. and want to buy used tools, no questions asked.
The data also higlights the value of building site security, checking visitor ID details, scanning badges and checking vehicles too.
Here’s the word;
New research from commercial insurer NFU Mutual found that overall, more than seven in 10 tradespeople experienced theft in the last year – and of those, 46% were hit by criminals on multiple occasions. Over a third suffered from theft twice, almost one in 10 (8%) were targeted three times and, alarmingly, 3% said they were stolen from more than three times in the last 12 months.
The most common theft for workers in the industry was from a site (35%), according to those surveyed, while a third had tools or equipment stolen from their vehicle and 16% said they had a vehicle taken over the past year.
Opportunist thieves often strike vehicles and at sites in the hope equipment and tools will be left unattended. NFU Mutual’s research showed three-quarters of tradespeople said they leave tools or equipment in their vehicle, while eight in 10 admitted to leaving tools and portable equipment on sites overnight at different times.
It is an issue that is front-of-mind for sole traders across the UK, with the biggest concern among those surveyed being the cost of replacing stolen equipment (41%), with becoming a victim of theft or repeat theft next on the list (37%).
Zoe Knight, Head of Commercial at NFU Mutual, said: “Tradespeople rely on their tools and vehicles for their job, so it’s extremely concerning to see the number of those surveyed who said they had been a victim of theft and, worse yet, those targeted on multiple occasions in the last 12 months.
“Our research showed a variety of responses to where workers leave their equipment when not on a job and while the most common was in a secure storage unit or lock-up – which we would always recommend – some admit to leaving tools in the garden, at a friend or relative’s or even in a field near to their home.
“The fact the two biggest concerns among the industry are around replacing stolen equipment and being a victim of theft shows the importance of having protection in place and we would urge them to take steps to improve security where possible.”
The mental health impact of tool theft is also stark. A recent survey by construction community On The Tools found that 85% of tradespeople worry daily or weekly about tool theft.
Lee Wilcox, Co-founder and CEO of On The Tools, said: “Tool theft is a crisis that affects not only tradespeople’s livelihoods but also their mental health. It’s an epidemic we can no longer ignore. On The Tools is proud to support the upcoming Trades United van rally* and to provide practical ways for people to amplify their voices. Change is long overdue, and it’s time for the government to act decisively.”
NFU Mutual is sharing the following advice to tradespeople:
- Minimise storage of tools and equipment in vans: a robust, lockable building is preferable. Consider intruder alarms for high value equipment.
- If you have to leave tools and equipment in a van, make sure it’s alarmed and, as a minimum, park against a wall so that doors cannot be opened easily.
- Don’t make it easy for thieves to guess that equipment is kept inside (a van or a building) e.g. by leaving items on display and leaving tools around which may assist an intruder.
- Store portable items within a robust, lockable store that is fixed in place.
- Restrict and control vehicular access to the work site.
- Consider video security system (temporary systems and temporary intruder alarm systems are available for site use).
- Security mark your tools and equipment (e.g. forensic, engraving or permanent marking) to deter thieves and aid recovery.
- Don’t stockpile high value materials such as lead and copper or leave them around for longer than necessary.
- For construction vehicles use CESAR marking, tracking and immobilisation to prevent and trace thieves.
- Check all locks and security measures before leaving any site e.g. alarms switched on, cameras facing the right direction and security lights working.
For more information on NFU Mutual Builders and Trades Insurance, visit www.nfumutual.co.uk/trades-insurance/.
INDUSTRY COMMENT
Julie Fisher, CEO of Simply Business, which insures over 200,000 tradespeople up and down the country, adds these thoughts;
“To meet the Government’s ambitious housing targets, we need skilled tradespeople. Protecting them from tool theft is vital for their livelihoods, and to achieve these growth goals. Last year alone, we estimate that tool theft cost self-employed tradespeople over £193 million. It comes as no surprise that 83% of tradespeople are concerned about this rising threat, driving thousands to demonstrate outside Westminster today to demand Government action. The trade community is demanding a comprehensive 360 approach to tackle this problem: more frontline policing to deter criminals (49%), tougher sentences for those convicted (50%), and fines for online marketplaces that don’t regulate second-hand tool sales (41%).
“We insure over 200,000 tradespeople, and know how distressing tool theft can be – from financial loss, to work disruption – not to mention the feeling of violation that comes with any theft. We urge the Government to hear the trade community’s concerns and respond.”
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