Warning to tradespeople over van thefts as survey reveals their motors carry more than £4,300 in tools
A SURVEY of tradespeople shows that most feel like a moving target for theft as the average van carries over £4,300 worth of tools every day.
Because of the value of what they have on board, 87% of tradespeople surveyed said they felt like a moving target, in a poll of over 500 people.
Many of them have spent hundreds of their own cash on tools and equipment, as well as their company’s gear.
More than a third are aware of attempts to break into their van over the last year – while 22 per cent have actually had tools taken.
Nearly half only managed to find some of the stolen tools, and according to a survey commissioned by Direct Line, repair and replacement costs reached over £750 each time.
According to Direct Line, the punishment for van thieves is less severe than theft from an office.
So the insurance firm has transformed a van into an office in Slough to shed some light onto the disparity in sentencing laws.
Tradesman Joe Shadbolt said: “The impact of theft from my van has had a catastrophic effect on my day-to-day working life.
“If my tools are stolen, I can’t work. This means I’m not earning and if I’m not earning, I can’t pay bills or support my family properly.
“By turning my van into an office, Direct Line are shining a light on an issue that is having a fundamental impact on my livelihood.”
To make matters worse, a number of people surveyed said they had even been approached and offered tools they believed were stolen.
But 87 per cent don’t think the ramifications for tool thieves are strong enough to truly act as a deterrent, according to the stats by OnePoll.
A spokesperson from Direct Line for Business, said: “Theft from vans is a major problem for tradespeople, with 35 per cent reporting an attempted break in over the last 12 months.
“From our interviews with reformed thieves, this crime is seen as low risk with a high reward.
“Tradespeople carry high value items in their vans and the punishment if thieves get caught is less severe compared to, for example, theft from an office.
“When speaking with our customers, we know a van is a tradesperson’s place of work.
“It’s where they take their calls, it’s where they eat their lunch, it’s where they do their paperwork.
“We’re working hard to raise awareness of this issue, not just on behalf of our customers, but for every tradesperson across the UK that has and could fall victim to theft.”