In the November 2019 editon of PBM, editor Paul Davies talked about the growing problem of tool theft.
A new survey from the Federation of Master Builders has presented some alarming figures which highlight the extent of a veritable tool theft epidemic. Its findings show that a staggering 83% of UK builders have been victims of tool theft, with some having lost more than £20,000 worth of tools in the past ten years.
The survey results reveal that more than one in three incidents involved theft from vans (38%) and theft from sites (34%), whilst 7% of respondents had their tools stolen from a shed or garage at home. 3% of incidents even saw tools stolen from inside the home.
According to the FMB, 78% of builders had tools stolen in the past ten years and the most common value of loss was £2,500. One in ten had at least £10,000 worth of tools stolen, and 2% quoted at least £20,000.
Almost a third of those to have experienced tool theft in the last decade said they had lost one to two working days whereas 16% missed out on two to five days’ pay. A troubling 7% indicated that tool theft (perhaps as a result of significant damage to their vans) had kept them off the job for more than five days.
Beyond the obvious financial implications, tool theft is taking its toll on the trades’ mental health. 15% said the experience had caused them to suffer from anxiety, whilst ‘depression’ was cited by more than one in ten. Some even reported experiences of panic attacks and suicidal thoughts.
Responding to the findings, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Decisive action is needed. The Government needs to look into tool theft and consider the need for the introduction of tighter regulations around selling second-hand tools, and greater minimum fines for those convicted of tool theft.”
Brian highlighted a number of measures builders can take to lower the risks, including fitting extra locks to their vans, marking tools with an address or phone number, painting them a special colour and registering serial numbers online.
It is an issue that has a number of implications for merchants, and there are many ways in which they can help their customers enhance security and protect their tools in vehicles or on site. The extent of the problem, though, is horrifying and despite the efforts of many in the industry to develop solutions — from manufacturer initiatives to a number of installer-led campaigns — perhaps a more powerful intervention is ultimately required.
As Brian says: “Tool theft is not a victimless crime and stronger government action is needed to help tackle this growing problem.”
“Almost a third of those to have experienced tool theft in the last decade said they had lost one to two working days whereas 16% missed out on two to five days’ pay.”
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