Is There Currently a Tool Theft Crisis in the South-East?

The short answer is yes. In fact, recent research has found that tens of millions of pounds worth of equipment is stolen each year, which is a substantial increase from previous years.

Tool theft has long been a problem for tradespeople, but recently the South-East has seen an alarming rise in cases, with devastating consequences for those affected. As someone who has worked in the security industry for years, I’ve never seen such a widespread impact on tradespeople’s livelihoods. The situation has become so severe that it has been described as an ‘epidemic’ by the press.

What’s Been Happening?

Recent reports have highlighted shocking stories of tradespeople losing thousands of pounds worth of equipment in mere minutes. A recent BBC article spotlighted multiple incidents including a roofer from Maidstone who had £3,000 worth of tools stolen while stopping for a coffee. Another tradesman lost £15,000 worth, leading to the collapse of his business. Although van theft has been particularly rife, organisations and construction sites are also being targeted. In a recent incident in a workshop in Sussex power tools worth more than £20,000 were stolen.

The emotional and financial impact cannot be overstated—this is not just about stolen equipment; it’s about people’s ability to work, provide for their families, and maintain their mental well-being.

At a recent protest in London, van drivers carried out a slow-drive demonstration outside Parliament, demanding stronger penalties for thieves. Some tradespeople even say they are now unwilling to take jobs where their van is out of sight. The situation is so dire that many are considering leaving the trade altogether.

Why Is Tool Theft on the Rise?

There are several key reasons for the surge in tool theft:

• Ease of selling stolen tools: Many stolen tools quickly appear at car boot sales or online marketplaces, making it easy for criminals to offload stolen goods. With an influx of property development in the southeast, it means that the chances of finding an unlocked van or unsecured construction site are much higher. 
• Lack of consequences for criminals: Penalties for tool theft are often not severe enough to deter repeat offenders. This is why campaigners are calling for tougher sentencing.
• Limited police resources: Law enforcement is often stretched too thin to prioritise tool theft cases, and even when stolen tools are recovered, many cannot be traced back to their owners due to a lack of registration.
• Increased cost of living: The rise in crime could also be linked to economic pressures, with more people turning to theft as a means of making quick money.

How Can Tradespeople Protect Their Tools?

‍While the government needs to step up its response, there are proactive steps that individuals and businesses can take to protect their assets:

• Secure your van and worksite: Investing in high-quality locks, van alarms, and immobilisers can make a significant difference. Construction sites should be equipped with CCTV, secure storage units, and lighting to deter thieves.
• Mark and register your tools: Engraving your tools with your name and contact details makes them harder to resell and easier to recover if stolen. Some organisations offer online registration databases for tools, which should always be utilised.
• Use tracking devices: GPS tracking for vans and high-value equipment can help recover stolen goods and provide valuable evidence for police investigations.
• Be mindful of parking: Park in well-lit, secure areas, preferably near CCTV cameras. If possible, bring tools inside overnight rather than leaving them in vehicles.
• Hire professional security for your site: If you’ve had an incident of theft or are noticing local cases rising it’s best to keep your site safe. At Priority First, we specialise in construction site security and can provide comprehensive security solutions for construction projects ranging from £1 million to £250 million. 

Don’t have the budget? We also offer security consultant services and offer free consultations to tradespeople and businesses looking to enhance their security measures. Whether it’s improving site protection, or investing in monitoring systems, our expertise can help reduce the risk of theft and provide peace of mind.

‍What Needs to Change?

‍The government must recognise the severity of this issue and take decisive action. The Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill, currently going through Parliament, is a step in the right direction. It proposes adding tool theft to the list of crimes causing ‘significant additional harm,’ recognising the financial, emotional, and operational impact on victims.Additionally, there needs to be stricter regulations on the resale of second-hand tools. If a person is selling 50 power tools at a car boot sale, that should immediately raise a red flag. Better enforcement and oversight of marketplaces where stolen tools are often resold would significantly cut down on criminal activity.Police forces also need additional funding and resources to tackle this crime effectively. More efforts should be made to promote the registration of power tools and make it easier for stolen items to be identified and returned to their rightful owners.

‍Where Does This Leave Us?

‍The rise in tool theft across the South East is not just a crime wave—it’s a crisis affecting thousands of hardworking tradespeople. Without the right security measures, businesses can face devastating losses, and individuals can lose their livelihoods.As the founder of Priority First, I urge all tradespeople to take proactive steps to secure their tools and businesses. If you’re concerned about the security of your van, worksite, or equipment, get in touch for a free security consultation. Together, we can put measures in place to protect what matters most.