Figures released by the Metropolitan Police has revealed that tool theft has cost the capital’s tradespeople over £38 million in the last two years, and £17.5 million in 2020.
The Construction Index reports that as the construction industry attempts to kickstart its recovery from the lockdown bans on non-essential work, data from the police has shown there were 28,338 tool thefts reported across London from 2019 to May 2021.
The tool theft hotspots included Barnet, Enfield, Ealing, Waltham Forest, and Haringey, and recorded thefts in Barnet totalled 1,917, accounting for almost 15 per cent of the total thefts.
In contrast, Merton (475), Richmond-upon-Thames (439), Hammersmith and Fulham (371), Kensington and Chelsea (371), and Kingston upon Thames (327) suffered the fewest tool thefts.
The report on tool thefts was compiled from a freedom of information request to the Metropolitan police and has revealed the impact of thefts of livelihoods, the costs of crime, and the most affected areas in the capital.
Thieves are 10 times more likely to steal powered hand tools than non-powered hand tools, with 32,067 taken from 2019 to 2021, compared to 2,993 non-powered hand tools.
Highlighting the need to prevent such crimes in the first place, only 1 per cent of stolen powered hand tools were recovered by the police. Building arterials were the most revered items, but even they only had a 4 per cent recovery rate.
The costs of tool theft are falling, looking at year-on-year figures, and it dropped from £20.7 million in 2019 to £17.5 million in 2020, a decrease of 15 per cent, but the cost per month of tool theft in 2021 is still £1.46 million
Stefano Lobban, Director at Herts Tools, said: “It’s been a tough couple of years for tradesmen and people working in construction, with COVID-19 really restricting their ability to work. The last thing they need is their tools being stolen, but this new data shows us just how common that reality is, particularly in London.
“Unfortunately, thieves are often attracted to high-price items like powered hand tools. Of course, when these items are stolen, it’s even harder for tradesmen to replace them due to the high cost.
He added that he hopes people take heed of the figures and remain vigilant.
We have some tips to help you prevent tool theft.
1. Take storage seriously.
The harder your tools are to get at, the better. A purpose-built security storage box will add as a deterrent.
2. Be discrete
Keep your tools out of clear sight.
3. Park mindfully
If you are leaving your van unattended, think carefully about where to park. Make use of the surroundings to add a layer of protection – parking sliding doors or rear opening doors against bushes or walls will make it harder for opportunist thieves.
4. Make your mark
Marking your tools with something distinctive makes them personal to you and therefore easily identifiable if they were to be stolen. This will also make your tools harder to sell on.
5. Check your insurance
If worst comes to the worst and your tools are stolen, it is best to be prepared. Make it easy in the long run by keeping a list of every tool you own complete with photos and serial numbers and ensure they are all covered by your insurance policy.
If you’re looking for nationwide tool hire, visit our website today.