New research has uncovered the staggering financial toll of tool theft, with over 1 in 5 tradespeople in the UK (22%) hit with losses exceeding £500 due to stolen tools.
The research, commissioned by home improvement retailer Wickes, sheds light on the scale of the issue facing the UK’s 2.3 million trade professionals – with 4 in 10 having experienced tool theft firsthand. Beyond the monetary value of stolen tools, the findings reveal that the repercussions run even deeper, with 15% of tradespeople reported losing over £1,000 in income every year because of the downtime and delays caused by theft, and 9% of victims losing over three days of work as a result.
Tool theft also has severe implications for tradespeople’s financial instability and wellbeing. In fact, 20% reported financial hardship, and another 20% experienced ongoing stress, with some even considering leaving the industry.
Demonstrating its commitment to combating tool theft, Wickes has launched tool marking events in partnership with SelectaDNA. Held in select stores, these events offer Wickes TradePro members free SelectaDNA Tools and Equipment Marking Kits, representing a retail value of £42,000. Through these events, Wickes aims to protect 35,000 tools and support the trade community in safeguarding their equipment.
The issue of tool theft continues to gain attention at the highest levels, with the second parliamentary reading on the topic scheduled for Friday, 25th April.
Amanda Martin, MP and advocate for the bill, said: “Tool theft is a serious issue affecting tradespeople across the country. Behind every theft there’s a human cost.
“I’m really grateful to have the support for my bill from Wickes, which will introduce sentencing guidelines that better reflect the true financial and emotional impact of these crimes.
“This bill is a much-needed lifeline for the hardworking professionals who keep us safe, warm, and secure in our homes – and I’m proud to stand firmly behind them alongside companies like Wickes.”
David Wood, CEO at Wickes, said: “The statistics speak for themselves: tool theft is crippling the trades. Not only is this having a mammoth financial impact on the sector as a whole, it’s affecting individuals too – on a monetary, practical and emotional level. More needs to be done to protect an industry which is so critical to the UK’s infrastructure and economy, which is why we support the Theft of Tools of Trade sentencing bill.
“Wickes isn’t just standing by. We’re taking action through initiatives like the tool marking events in our stores and the launch of a SelectaDNA Tools and Equipment Marking Kit. It’s about time we started turning the tide on this epidemic, and we’re committed to being part of the solution.”
Shoaib Awan, self-employed gas engineer from Romford and Wickes TradePro member, shared his experience: “As a father of two young daughters and the main provider for my family, falling victim to tool theft was not just a financial setback, it was a life-altering event. I lost £8,500 worth of essential equipment, which immediately impacted my ability to work and support my loved ones. On top of that, an attempted break-in damaged my new ULEZ-compliant van, adding thousands more in repair costs.
“Three years later, I’m still dealing with the emotional and financial fallout. The stress, anxiety, and feeling of vulnerability haven’t gone away. If it were to happen again, I fear it would be the end of my career. Replacing everything is simply unaffordable.
“That’s why I fully support any effort like Wickes’ tool marking events to help prevent theft and protect tradespeople. Breaking into a van doesn’t just steal tools. It steals our future.”
