A survey by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has revealed that tool theft from UK van drivers is on the rise, with more than one in four (28%) falling victim to the crime in 2024 – up from 19% the year before.
The survey of 1,000 UK van drivers found that the value of the stolen tools rose by over 40%, averaging £2,433 last year.
More than a quarter (27%) of incidences of tool theft were valued at £3,500 and above, compared to 10% exceeding that value in 2023.
As a result, UK businesses now face a £3.5bn bill in stolen equipment in 2024.
On top of the financial burden, the majority (86%) of tool theft victims were forced to take unplanned downtime while they restocked their vans and repaired locks, resulting in an average of 3.97 days off work.
One in five (20%) of respondents had to take over a week off work in 2024.
This is compared to 1.90 days the year before, highlighting the significant disruption that the increase in tool theft is bringing.
With 36% of survey respondents identifying the cost-of-living crisis as a major stressor when thinking about work, this increase in tool theft comes at a time when businesses are already feeling the financial pressures.
Van drivers who fall victim to tool theft could also find themselves at risk of an increase in future insurance premiums.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles works with van drivers to keep them and their tools safe, with the New Transporter receiving the Euro NCAP Platinum Award for its safety design and capabilities.
The New Transporter offers optional features to improve security, including an anti-theft alarm system, interior monitoring, backup horn, and towing protection.
When activated, the anti-theft alarm system sounds the horn and activates the hazard lights, drawing attention and alerting bystanders.
John Ricardo-Neto, head of product planning at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Tool theft remains a huge issue for van drivers and businesses in the UK, and it’s concerning to see the number of incidences and the scale of their impact continuing to rise.
“We encourage van drivers to take extra precautions – via our theft prevention technologies, ensuring tools are always well secured and vehicles parked in well-lit, CCTV-monitored areas – so that tradespeople can focus on what really matters.”
