New research has revealed that the average claim for stolen tools has increased by 24% since 2020, which has cost tradespeople an estimated £98.9m last year.
The survey of 645 tradespeople by Simply Business also found that over half of respondents have experienced tool theft. The majority of those victims, 94%, said none of their equipment was ever recovered. A total of 77% reported a negative effect on their mental health.
Nearly two thirds, 65%, said they believe tool theft is getting worse, and two per cent think the situation is improving. The research found that 30% of those surveyed believe the threat of tool theft is actively discouraging people from entering the trade.
This is supported by Simply Business claims analysis, which showed a shift in the method of theft, as thieves have adapted their tactics to bypass modern vehicle security. Whole-van theft has dropped by 98% since 2023, as improved immobilisers and vehicle tracking have made stealing entire vehicles increasingly difficult.
However, Simply Business noted that thieves have adapted, with “property damage” being the most reported cause of tool theft in 2025. The company said this is the hallmark of “peel and steal” attacks, where van doors are ‘peeled’ open by force and tools are stolen from inside the van. The trend is further confirmed by early 2026 data, it cited.
Julie Fisher, UK CEO of Simply Business, said: “While it is encouraging to see whole-van theft decrease, tool theft continues to be a significant concern for tradespeople across the UK. And for the 300,000 tradespeople we protect, their tools are more than just equipment – they are their livelihood. This crime doesn’t just result in a loss of kit, but a loss of precious time and income, testing the mettle of even the most resilient small business owners.
“At Simply Business, we aim to make it easy for our customers to find the protection they need so they can trade with confidence. Last year, we paid out over £57m in claims to support our nearly one million customers. As the overwhelming majority of tradespeople remain worried about theft, providing that peace of mind remains our absolute priority.”
Mark Sharman, claims operations lead at Simply Business, shared some steps that tradespeople can take to help protect the security of their van.
- Remember basic security rules
Mark said: “It sounds obvious, but you should lock your doors and windows every single time you leave your van. You need to do this even if you’re just stepping away for a minute to grab a coffee or drop off materials.
“Thieves operate quickly and look for easy targets. An unlocked door is an open invitation that could cost you thousands. Make it a habit to double-check your locks before walking away from your vehicle.”
- Install window grills and tints
He added: “Windows are usually the weakest point of any trades van. Thieves often smash them to quickly grab whatever is inside without triggering the door alarms.
“Fitting internal grills adds a strong physical barrier that stops criminals in their tracks. You can also apply tinted foils to your windows, which obscures the view of your valuables and makes the glass much harder to break.”
- Lock everything inside the van
Mark said: “Your security shouldn’t stop at the exterior doors – consider securing the items inside the van too.
“Use heavy-duty padlocks or specialist locking devices to fasten your tools to the frame of the vehicle. This extra layer of security means that even if a thief gets inside, they’ll struggle to take anything valuable.”
- Upgrade your van locks and alarms
He added: “Factory-fitted locks are rarely enough to deter a determined thief. You can research aftermarket locks like deadlocks or slamlocks to provide much stronger protection.
“A high-quality smart alarm system could be a worthwhile investment for your business. Look for alarms rated Thatcham CAT 1. The Thatcham Research group identifies these as the highest-rated alarm systems currently available.”
- Park smartly and safely
Mark said: “Where you park your van can influence its security. It’s a good idea to park in well-lit areas with plenty of foot traffic and visible CCTV cameras when you can.
“If possible, park with your rear or side doors flush against a solid brick wall or sturdy railings. This can physically prevent thieves from prising the doors open. If you park on a driveway at home, consider installing a motion-sensor security light.”
- Store your van keys securely
He added: “Keep your van keys in a Faraday pouch or away from easily accessible areas, such as front doors. This can help prevent thieves from replicating the electronic signal from your key fob to unlock your vehicle.”