• • • NEWS • • • Tool theft remains high despite
increased awareness Over 17,000 tools were stolen across England in 2024. Police forces across England have shared tool theft data in a Freedom of Information (FOI) request analysed by van insurance experts at
Quotezone.co.uk
“Simple steps like upgrading locks, marking tools and parking near CCTV could make a big difference.
“Of course, no security measure can offer total protection against determined thieves – which is why having a valid and comprehensive insurance policy is essential. It not only protects valuable assets, it protects livelihoods and helps get businesses back up and running again quickly.”
Five ways to protect your vehicle
against tool thieves: 1. Plan your parking
It’s important to pay attention to where and how you park. A good rule of thumb if you don’t have a garage or a private driveway is to park close to a wall, so the doors are inaccessible, make sure it’s a busy, well-lit area that’s covered by CCTV.
2. Upgrade your locks
Deadlocks double the security of your van and are difficult to crack as they don’t have a spring mechanism. Slam locks are also a great safety measure as they automatically lock the van when you shut the doors.
he responses reveal 8,694 tools were reported stolen in 2024, with an additional 8,670 stolen from vehicles specifically.
T
The FOI request was issued to better understand regional trends and identify where tool theft is on the rise – especially as reports from tradespeople and van drivers suggested the problem is getting worse in certain areas. There are certain theft hotspots where van drivers and tradespeople should be on guard, including the Metropolitan area which reported 10,486 tool thefts in 2024.
Other particularly concerning areas are South
Yorkshire, with 1,446 reported thefts, and Essex, with 901 incidents for the same time period. The average cost of van insurance across the UK has risen by nearly 5 per cent over the past year – with the volume of theft across the country likely a contributing factor.
The van insurance comparison experts from Quotezone have revealed that it is young van drivers (aged 17-24) in particular that are being hit the hardest by soaring premiums, as they are paying up to 278 per cent more to insure their vans and tools compared to older age groups. Their average policy now exceeds £2,000 – nearly four times the £520 paid by drivers aged 45-65.
The van insurance experts at Quotezone are urging all tradespeople and van drivers to carefully review their insurance policies and make sure all details are accurate, and any extras needed are added, such as tool cover. Failing to do these simple checks could leave van drivers exposed if they become victims of theft.
They are also sharing ways to help keep belongings safe, as the high value items often stored in vans make them a prime target for thieves. There are steps tradespeople can take to help protect their vans and tools from damage and theft.
Quotezone CEO and van insurance expert
Greg Wilson said: “Tool theft is having a serious impact on tradespeople across the country – and it’s an issue that can’t be ignored. “Tradespeople are not only being targeted by criminals but are also feeling the financial strain through higher insurance costs. Our data shows that younger van drivers and tradespeople are being hit the hardest, paying nearly four times more than those aged 45 to 65. “That’s why we’re sharing practical ways for tradespeople and van drivers to help deter criminals and protect their van and their tools.
3. Remove valuables
The easiest option to prevent tools and equipment from being stolen from the van is to not leave them in the van overnight. Although it may be a chore to remove valuables at the end of the day, it may be sensible to lock the most expensive pieces in the house or garage.
4. Mark your tools
Marking your tools with distinctive or company colours can help identify them if they are stolen, it also makes them less attractive to thieves as they may have issues selling them on. Keeping an itemised list of what you own and holding on to the receipts of the more expensive items can also help in the claims process.
5. Check your insurance policy Getting insurance obviously won’t prevent the vehicle or valuables from being stolen, but it will help you get back on your feet after a theft, as it could protect you financially and help with replacements. To keep insurance costs as low as possible, consider where you park overnight, how much mileage you do and any security features you can add – all of which could help reduce premium costs.
electricalengieneeringmagazine.co.uk
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