Peak season for tool thefts is here

• Tool thefts peak in October and November, as the nights grow longer and days shorter
• Tool thefts recorded in October were 46 per cent higher than in April (the lowest month for recorded thefts) last year
• Tool theft from vehicles was 54 per cent higher in October than in April

October and November are the peak months for tool thefts according to a new analysis¹ by Direct Line business insurance. In both 2022 and 2023, tool theft peaked in these winter months, as the clocks changed and the nights drew in.

The analysis shows that reports of tool theft were 46 per cent higher in October 2023 than in April 2023, which was the lowest recorded month for tool theft. The rise in thefts is even higher when looking specifically at tools stolen from vehicles, which were 54 per cent higher in October 2023 than in April of the same year.

Direct Line business insurance’s research² shows tools worth £98 million were stolen from tradespeople in 2023, with a theft reported every 12 minutes. When there are fewer hours of daylight, the opportunity for theft increases, which is why tradespeople are encouraged to review their tool security and stay extra vigilant.

Alison Traboulsi, Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance commented:

“Tool theft is hugely disruptive and stressful for tradespeople, alongside having to replace tools, tradespeople lost an estimated £82 million worth of jobs last year due to tool theft². With police force data showing that thieves exploit the longer nights to steal tools, now is a good time to review security and make any necessary changes; from installing additional locks and alarms to checking you have adequate insurance should you become a victim of tool theft.”

For more information about Direct Line’s tradesperson tools cover, please visit our website: https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/public-liability-insurance/insurance-for-tools

ENDS

Notes to Editors

¹ Based on a Freedom of Information request sent to 45 police forces in the United Kingdom and NI in January 2024.  Two thirds of forces provided tool theft data.

² Censuswide survey of 756 tradespeople, conducted 6^th March – 11^th March 2024. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council. See: £98 million worth of tools stolen from tradespeople - Direct Line Group

For further information please contact:

Email: directlinegroupmedia@fleishman.com

Direct Line Group

Unni Henry 

PR Manager

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk 

About Direct Line business insurance

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

Direct Line 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 business insurance and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

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