Tool theft is more than an inconvenience. For many tradespeople, it can bring work to a standstill. Replacing specialist equipment takes time and money, while cancelled jobs and lost earnings can have a lasting impact on both businesses and customers.

Because so many tools are stored and transported in vans, these vehicles have become a prime target for thieves. Whether parked outside a home, on a driveway or at a work site, an unsecured van can provide criminals with quick access to thousands of pounds' worth of equipment.

By understanding how offenders operate and adopting a layered approach to security, tradespeople can make it much harder for criminals to succeed.

Why Are Vans Targeted?

Criminals are often interested in what is inside a van rather than the vehicle itself. Power tools, hand tools, testing equipment and specialist machinery can be worth thousands of pounds and are relatively easy to sell through illicit channels.

Many thefts are opportunistic, with offenders looking for vans parked on residential streets, business premises or construction sites where they can work quickly without attracting attention.

While company branding can be an important way to promote a business, it can also attract unwanted attention by indicating that valuable tools may be stored inside the van.

The Scale of the Problem

Recent research by Direct Line Business Insurance found that:

• 25,525 tool thefts were reported to UK police in 2024, equating to around 70 thefts every day.
• Tool theft from vehicles accounted for almost half (49%) of all reported tool thefts, with 12,414 thefts from vans and other vehicles.
• The estimated value of tools stolen in 2024 was around £40 million.
• Almost four in five (79%) tradespeople say they have experienced tool theft at some point in their career.

Separate research also found that 9,522 vans were reported stolen across the UK in 2025, equivalent to one van every 55 minutes, with around three in five never recovered.

These figures demonstrate not only the scale of the problem, but also the significant impact theft has on individuals and businesses.

The Impact on Victims

The financial cost of replacing tools can be significant, but the effects often go much further.

Victims may experience:

• Lost earnings while waiting for replacements
• Cancelled appointments and delayed projects
• Increased insurance premiums
• Stress and anxiety
• Damage to customer relationships
• The loss of specialist or customised equipment that cannot be easily replaced

Direct Line estimates that tool theft resulted in around £16 million in lost business during 2024, illustrating how quickly the consequences extend beyond the value of the stolen tools themselves.

Reducing the Risk

While no security measure can guarantee protection, combining several layers of security can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim.

1. Remove Tools Overnight

Where possible, avoid leaving tools in your van overnight.

Although this may not always be practical, removing high-value equipment substantially reduces the potential reward for criminals.

2. Park Securely

Choose secure parking whenever possible.

If parking at home:

• Park in a garage if available
• Position the rear and side doors against a wall to restrict access
• Use well-lit locations
• Consider CCTV or motion-activated lighting around the parking area

During the working day, park where the van remains visible and avoid leaving it unattended for extended periods.

4. Mark and Register Your Tools

Property marking is one of the simplest and most effective crime prevention measures.

Marking tools with a unique identifier and registering them on a recognised property database makes it easier for police to identify recovered items and return them to their rightful owner.

Keep records of:

• Serial numbers
• Makes and models
• Purchase receipts
• Photographs

These records can also support insurance claims.

Click for a list of SBD accredited property and asset marking products.

5. Think About What You Share

Social media posts showing expensive new tools, the contents of your van or where you are working can unintentionally provide useful information to criminals.

Similarly, branded vans left outside homes overnight may indicate that valuable equipment is stored inside.

Avoid advertising what you carry whenever possible, and consider where and how you park.

Designing Out Crime

Protecting tools starts long before a theft occurs.

Secured by Design promotes police-backed standards that help reduce opportunities for crime through effective security products and thoughtful design. From improved vehicle security and property marking to secure storage and better lighting around homes and workplaces, adopting a layered approach makes it harder for criminals to succeed.

While no solution can eliminate risk entirely, taking practical precautions can protect valuable equipment, reduce business disruption and help ensure that hardworking tradespeople spend more time on the job than replacing stolen tools.