Tradeperson's turmoil: tools stolen every 20 minutes

·         Tools are stolen from a vehicle every 20 minutes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

·         A third (30 per cent) of tool thefts from vehicles occur in London, followed shortly by the North West (27 per cent)

·         The North West of England has the highest number of tool thefts per person living in the region

25th August 2020 - Tools are stolen from a tradesperson’s vehicle every 20 minutes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, according to new research[1] from Direct Line - Business. In 2019, there were an alarming 28,681 cases of tool theft from vehicles, equating to 78 incidences every day.

Based on an analysis of data from police forces across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the findings highlight that theft of tools from vehicles is a frequent problem for tradespeople. The loss of vital equipment can present a serious threat to a tradesperson’s livelihood, especially in the current economic climate, preventing them from carrying out work and hitting their pockets hard.

Of the 28,681 incidences of tool theft, nearly a third (30 per cent) were reported in London with the North West (27 per cent) and Yorkshire and Humberside (12 per cent) closely following.

Region	Reported number of incidents of tool theft from vehicles in 2019
	Number	Percentage
London	8633	30
North West	7627	27
Yorkshire and Humber	3333	12
West Midlands	2499	9
East of England	2303	8
South East	1426	5
East Midlands	1249	4
South West	902	3
Northern Ireland	221	<1
North East	176	<1
Wales	112	<1
England, Wales and NI total	28681	100%

When considering population density, the North West had the most accounts of tool theft per resident, with Lancashire Constabulary reporting the highest levels of thefts in the region – an alarming 4,440 in one year.

Nandita Borkakoti, Product Manager at Direct Line - Business, said:

“This new research reveals the shocking frequency of tool theft from vehicles. Tool theft is hugely disruptive and often results in tradespeople missing out on jobs. It’s vital they do all they can to protect themselves. Making sure their vehicles are secured, they’re diligent with locking away tools when unsupervised and that they have the appropriate insurance in place.”

With our new Tools Essentials offering we’ll help tradespeople get back to work quickly by helping to replace their essential tools within 24 hours, with an upfront faster payment of up to £1,500, subject to claims validation. Tools Essentials is available to all customers who have a valid tools claim and policy with Direct Line, whether from a locked vehicle, a secured garage, home or lock-up. Claims can be reported between 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday, except Bank Holidays, and policy limits apply.

Borkakoti added: “At Direct Line – Business, we understand the major inconvenience of having tools stolen and the impact this can have on tradespeople’s ability to work and finances. Our Tools Cover is invaluable to tradespeople, giving them peace of mind, helping them to get back to work quickly should they fall victim to tool theft. When it comes to protecting tradespeople across the UK, we’re on it.”

For tips on how to keep your van and tools safe please see: https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/van-insurance/knowledge-centre/your-van-and-your-business/what-van-security-improvements-can-i-make

For more information about Direct Line - Business’ van and tradespeople insurance, please visit our website:            
https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/public-liability-insurance/tradesman-insurance

https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/van-insurance

ENDS

Notes to Editors

¹          FOI request to all police forces in England and Wales 

For further information please contact:

Direct Line Group
Unni Henry
Senior PR Consultant
Tel: 01903 636 149
Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk

Eulogy
Michael Hindmarsh
Account Director
Mobile: 07415 396642
Email: Michael.hindmarsh@eulogy.co.uk

About Direct Line for Business

Launched in 2007 Direct Line for Business now has over half a million customer policies, proving a flexible range of insurance products for the landlord, van and small business sectors.

Direct Line for Business insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line for Business and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line for Business products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk