New FOI data exposes a shocking surge in tool theft across the nation, with some boroughs seeing increases of up to 88% in the past two years. Security experts, Safe.co.uk, warns the cities which need to be more vigilant.
Don’t be fooled by a seasonal pattern. These thefts are a year-round threat, costing tradespeople dearly. Anthony Neary, security expert from Safe.co.uk, analysed the data and found that peak construction months like June (1,838) September (1,905 thefts), October (1,867), experienced a surge in incidents. This translates to a significant financial burden for those targeted.
London has recorded over 34,712 tool thefts within this period, analysis of theft reports from 2021 to 2023 shows Barnet leading with 2,316 incidents, closely followed by 2,004 incidents in Enfield and 1,980 in Newham.
Whilst these numbers represent the areas with the most tool theft incidents, Camden, Greenwich, and Lambeth are reporting the most drastic change. Camden’s statistic reported an 88% increase in comparison to 2022 (333 incidents) and 2023 (627).
Safe.co.uk held a survey which revealed 68% of tradespeople fear the theft of their tools. Anthony Neary offers the following security tips:
- Secure tools
Tools should be locked away in alarmed storage facilities when possible. Even consider bringing them into the home, as these are typically more secure than sheds or garages - Engrave or mark tools
Mark your tools with identifiable labels. This means if they are to be found, they are easier to obtain as yours. The survey revealed more than half (53%) of tradespeople do not do this simple trick. - Stay vigilant
Ensure vehicles are locked and parked in well-lit areas, don’t leave tools in plain sight, and account for everything each morning – particularly during high-risk months.
Safe.co.uk’s findings highlight the urgent need for increased security measures and community awareness to tackle this growing problem and protect tradespeople from further loss.
For more information and tips on how to stay safe over the coming months, visit SafeZone.
Featured Photo by Jose Fontano on Unsplash.