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Nine Vans Stolen In London Each Day
3,314 vans were stolen in London over the past year, according to new data from Direct Line business insurance. This equates to nine thefts each day...
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Tool Theft Crimewave Sweeps Through The Country
Tradespeople are being warned to step up security as a crime wave sweeps through construction sites in the UK. Almost nine in 10 tradespeople and contractors have been victims of theft.
Commercial insurer NFU Mutual’s new research, while theft and crime specialists are warning that world events, including the conflict in Ukraine, is driving up demand for stolen goods.
Since 2010, NFU Mutual has funded a dedicated vehicle theft unit which shares intelligence, delivers training and works with police forces across the country and overseas to seize millions of pounds of stolen machinery. The team, which is now part of the new National Construction and Agri Theft Unit (NCATT), is responding to thefts which are hitting both sole traders and large construction firms.
Vans are targets
NFU Mutual is warning people not to be complacent as its study finds over three quarters (78%) of tradespeople and contractors admit they have left machinery and tools in a vehicle overnight. Vans are a key target for criminals, with nearly six in ten experiencing theft from their vehicle (58%). And over half (55%) have experienced theft of their items from a building site, as 83% say they have left portable tools and equipment on site overnight.
Wellbeing
Tradespeople say the main impacts of these thefts include loss of income (55%) and extra costs to replace or hire new kit (43%) and worryingly over a third reveal theft has an impact on their mental health (34%).
Despite this, the study found an alarming number (43%) of tradespeople don’t have a full list or know the value of what they own which could make it difficult to report crimes to the police or track recovered items back to their owners.
“In the current climate as supply is low and demand for stolen equipment is high, we are urging people to step up security.”
–Zoe Knight
Commercial specialist, NFU Mutual
Devastating effects
“Tradespeople rely on their tools for their income and to keep the chain of a project on schedule. As our report findings show, the theft of equipment can have a devastating impact professionally, financially and mentally,” adds Knight. “It is crucial that tradespersons are fully supported should the worst happen. The cost of replacing kit and machinery has increased significantly due to supply chain issues in recent times. We are advising tradespeople to know what they own by recording serial numbers and keeping up to date with current market values.”
No list of tools
Only 57 per cent of respondents said they would be able to produce a complete list of their tools and value. Only 41 per cent keep photographic evidence of their tools and just 17 per cent video their equipment – yet these are quick and easy ways to keep a record.
Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill
The study by NFU Mutual comes as the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill has passed through the House of Commons and is expected to be signed into law later this summer. It aims to ensure high value tools and machinery are marked, registered, and traceable if stolen, making it harder for thieves to sell stolen tools,and help re-unite them with their owners.
Detective Constable Chris Piggott, a field intelligence officer for NCATT, says: “In the face of increasing thefts of machinery, tools and vehicles, we are working urgently to disrupt criminal gangs who are operating in this country and overseas. We are urging people to secure their property by using marking, tracking and immobilisation as well recording all serial numbers to aid the police to detect and prosecute criminals.
“We often end up on warrants and searches where numerous high value power tools are located, if serial numbers are not recorded these will be untraceable and cannot returned to their rightful owners. There is nothing more frustrating than having to hand suspected stolen property back to a known offender, because the person who has lost them didn’t take the time to accurately record the information when they purchase them. This ultimately means that we also can’t prosecute and bring offenders to justice, meaning they can carry on stealing tools without fear of retribution.”
Picture: Almost nine in 10 tradespeople and contractors have been victims of theft.
Article written by Cathryn Ellis
06th July 2023