Tool thefts from vans still on the increase
Thu, 26 Jun 2025
A Freedom of Information request has shown that more than 17,000 tools were stolen last year, over half of which were taken from vans.
The data, compiled by van insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk, highlights the growing threat to tradespeople and van drivers, many of whom are now facing rising premiums and major losses due to theft.
The responses revealed that of the 17,300 tools stolen in 2024, 8670 were stolen from vehicles.
The FOI request was issued to better understand regional trends and identify where tool theft is on the rise - especially as reports from tradespeople and van drivers suggested the problem is getting worse in certain areas.
South Yorkshire experienced a 17% rise in tool thefts from 2023 to 2024, and North Yorkshire experienced an increase of over 9%.
Other areas have seen a slight decrease in the number of tool thefts, but the data generally shows concerningly high numbers across the board.
There are certain theft hotspots where van drivers and tradespeople should be on guard, including the Metropolitan area which reported 10,486 tool thefts in 2024.
Other particularly concerning areas are South Yorkshire, with 1446 reported thefts, and Essex, with 901 incidents for the same time period.
The average cost of van insurance across the UK has risen by nearly 5% over the past year - with the volume of theft across the country likely a contributing factor.
The van insurance comparison experts from Quotezone have revealed that young van drivers aged 17-24 are being hit hardest by soaring premiums, as they are paying up to 278% more to insure their vans and tools compared to older age groups.
Their average policy now exceeds £2000 - nearly four times the £520 paid by drivers aged 45-65.
"Tool theft is having a serious impact on tradespeople across the country - and it’s an issue that can’t be ignored," says Quotezone CEO Greg Wilson.
"Tradespeople are not only being targeted by criminals but are also feeling the financial strain through higher insurance costs. Our data shows that younger van drivers and tradespeople are being hit the hardest, paying nearly four times more than those aged 45 to 65. Simple steps like upgrading locks, marking tools and parking near CCTV could make a big difference."
