A new report has shown that the construction theft epidemic is growing, with a 67% surge in construction site crime since 2024. This is double the European average.
According to the BauWatch Crime Report 2025, 31% of professionals said stolen goods regularly circulate within underground networks and car boots. A total of 49% of UK construction workers reported being approached with offers of “protection”. The company said this is an indication that intimidation and racketeering tactics are now widespread across the sector.
The research also found that 33% UK workers have had to replace stolen tools or equipment out of their own pockets. BauWatch revealed that 29% of respondents said the fear of theft is contributing to difficulties with mental health.
Shaoib Awan, a gas engineer from London, said: “My van has been broken into twice. The second time £8,500 worth of tools were stolen, forcing me to cancel a holiday with my wife and daughters. Following this, in addition to replacing my tools, I had to replace my van for £23,000 and now have to decline work on sites where my van isn’t in my eyeline – causing a significant loss of earnings as well as a severe impact on my mental health.
“It really is a plague: tools worth thousands of pounds are being sold for less than £50 in cash at markets and car boot sales. It’s forcing tradespeople to leave the industry, and Britain is losing a lot of skilled workers because of this.”
The report highlighted that small tools, power tools, copper and cables are the most commonly stolen items.
It also found that construction crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, as 63% of respondents noted the use of professional tactics. This included hacking security systems, 28%, the use of drones for reconnaissance, 21%, and cloning digital access credentials, 22%.
Mim Mogul, UK managing director at BauWatch, added: “These are not petty thefts. They are calculated operations run by well-organised networks. Beyond the immediate financial impact, the consequences include delayed projects, increasing insurance costs, and even serious mental health issues for those affected, particularly SMEs and sole traders.”
The study found that 48% of UK firms have deployed fixed CCTV systems, compared to 23% across the continent. BauWatch stated that despite being more proactive than their European counterparts, UK firms remain under constant siege. This is especially as criminals are leveraging advanced tactics and cyberattacks to stay ahead of security measures, it cited.
Mim continued: “As criminal techniques continue to advance, the construction industry faces an urgent challenge to strengthen defences and invest in comprehensive security solutions that protect both traditional theft and emerging digital threats.”
The research concluded by calling for “a robust, layered security strategy encompassing physical barriers, cutting-edge technology and thorough staff training”. Intelligence sharing with local law enforcement was also emphasised as a “vital component” when it comes to disrupting black market activities and recovering stolen asset, it stated.
The report polled 3,900 construction professionals across Europe, with a 500-strong sample in the UK.