More than 105,000 tool thefts have been reported to police forces across the UK since 2020, according to figures revealed in an FOI attained by builders’ merchant Travis Perkins.

Cases remain consistently high year on year, with the worst year being 2020 when more than 20,000 incidents were recorded. In 2023, police forces logged 19,666 cases, while in 2024 there were 19,110. Already in 2025, more than 9,000 tool thefts have been reported.

West Yorkshire Police has recorded the highest total since 2020, with over 16,600 incidents, followed by Greater Manchester Police with 13,041. Kent, South Yorkshire, and South Wales also rank among the worst affected, each reporting thousands of cases.

Most thefts involve tools being stolen from vehicles, as well as burglaries at homes and businesses that result in tradespeople losing vital equipment.

Carine Jessamine, Group Marketing & Digital Director at Travis Perkins, commented:
“Tool theft isn’t just about the cost of replacement. For tradespeople, it means missed jobs, lost income, and huge stress. That’s why it’s vital to raise awareness of the scale of the problem and encourage everyone to take extra steps to protect their tools.

Remove the temptation of tools being stolen by always keeping them locked away securely and out of sight whenever they are not being used, for instance.

Thieves will often be deterred from committing a crime in places where there are CCTV surveillance cameras active too. So, take the time to install these security systems around your business premises or property and then park all work vehicles in a well-lit area which has these cameras facing them.

We’re committed to supporting the trade community by highlighting these issues and helping raise awareness of the measures that can keep tools safe.”