Warning: be vigilant as tool theft is on the rise Warning: be vigilant as tool theft is on the rise

Tradespeople are being warned to step up security as a crime wave sweeps through construction sites in the UK, with a new survey showing almost nine in 10 (89%) tradespeople have experienced theft. Crime specialists are warning that world events, including the conflict in Ukraine, is driving up demand for stolen goods.

Tradespeople are being warned to step up security as a crime wave sweeps through construction sites in the UK, with a new survey showing almost nine in 10 (89%) tradespeople have experienced theft. Crime specialists are warning that world events, including the conflict in Ukraine, is driving up demand for stolen goods.

This is according to a study conducted by NFU Mutual, which interviewed 500 tradespeople and contractors. It found over three quarters (78%) admit they have left machinery and tools in a vehicle overnight.

This is according to a study conducted by NFU Mutual, which interviewed 500 tradespeople and contractors. It found over three quarters (78%) admit they have left machinery and tools in a vehicle overnight.

Vans are a key target, with nearly six in 10 experiencing theft from their vehicle (58%). And over half (55%) have experienced theft of their

Vans are a key target, with nearly six in 10 experiencing theft from their vehicle (58%). And over half (55%) have experienced theft of their items from a building site, with 83% saying they have left portable tools and equipment on site overnight. items from a building site, with 83% saying they have left portable tools and equipment on site overnight.

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 a large 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

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 a large 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