The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) found that 51% of UK builders have had tools stolen with around half of those (46%) having had their van side panel or door broken/pierced and prised open; 23% having their windows smashed and doors opened from dashboard and 22% having their locks picked.

Andrew Radford, of Radford Construction, had thousands of pounds worth of tools, PPE and a wallet stolen when a company van was broken into.

Discussing the theft, Radford said: “Losing the tools was a huge blow because it delayed work on site while we replaced them. We also had to spend a lot of time contacting our insurance company, the police and cancelling the cards. Also, because our builders’ merchants details were in the van, we had to set up passwords to make sure it was only company colleagues who could obtain goods on our account.”

The most common preventative measures builders take in order to limit tool theft include:

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “More than half of builders in the UK have fallen foul of tool theft with concerns growing over a crime wave wreaking havoc across the construction industry. Tools are being stolen from vans and direct from construction sites, with some builders even being assaulted by would-be thieves. The impact of this on the nation’s smaller building firms is particularly disruptive. Not only is there a high cost in terms of both time and money spent replacing these expensive tools, and to fix the damage caused, but without the right tools, firms are simply unable to work. This is leading construction firms vulnerable at a time when other factors, such as skills shortages and material price rises, are already causing the sector a headache.”

Berry added: “Of course, the best solution to this problem is builders preventing it from happening in the first place. Where possible, builders should bring tools inside at night. If that’s not possible, they should install extra locks or safes in the van and park against a wall or in a secluded location not visible from the road. However, even when taking these precautions, theft can still occur.

“It’s therefore important that builders put measures in place that give them the best chance of recovering their tools if they are stolen. Installing a basic CCTV system is one option but builders should also ensure they overtly brand their items with their company details. They should also register their tools’ serial numbers on an online database. We are also calling on the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. The courts have an important role to play too by ensuring they take this crime seriously, with appropriate sentencing when cases are brought before them.”