Blip Supports Campaign on Stolen Trader Tools

The problem of Tradespersons having their tools nicked is a growing one and despite a wealth of evidence at car boot sales and online, the UK Police seem to do very little about the resale of said stolen items. Here’s some news from blip, who are supporting traders who are often hit hard by these thefts from vans, commercial premises and workplaces;

blip’s Small Business Insurance and campaigning group Stolen Tools UK (STUK) today announce an alliance that will see £10 donated to a charity that supports tradespeople every time someone buys a blip Small Business Insurance policy via STUK.

Tool theft is costing livelihoods nationwide. Freedom of Information requests to police forces reveal more than 11,300 tool thefts from vehicles across the UK in a single year, with hotspots stretching from Northumbria to Kent^[1]. The average incident of tool theft is estimated to cost a tradesperson over £4,470, and industry research shows 78 % of tradespeople have had their tools stolen, while only 1 % ever recover them^[2].

Gary Ross, Founder & CEO of blip, said: “Tradespeople keep Britain going, yet too many are at the mercy of tool theft which directly impact their livelihood. Our alliance with Stolen Tools UK means that more tradespeople will have access to insurance that understands the risks they face. Every policy protects a livelihood and sends £10 straight to frontline charities helping victims get back on their feet. We are proud to support small business owners in the UK many of which are tradespeople and this alliance is another positive step in our campaign to combat tool theft.”

Frankie Williams, Director of Stolen Tools UK, added: “Tool theft wipes out incomes overnight. By teaming up with blip Small Business Insurance, we are not only supporting individuals but the entire community, by donating £10 for every policy sign up to charities that help tradespeople replace stolen kit, pay bills, and return to work while we continue to campaign for tougher laws.”

^[1] https://www.toolstation.com/help-and-advice/articles/uk-tool-theft-capitals

^[1] https://www.onthetools.tv/four-in-five-tradespeople-experience-tool-theft-according-to-study/