AUDIO NEWS: Reported cases of tool theft drop by nearly 20%, and construction output stalls in Q1
Posted: Monday, May 19th, 2025
Reported incidents of tool theft fell by 18% last year – that’s according to research from Direct Line Business Insurance. Despite the year-on-year reduction, there were still over 25,000 tool thefts reported to the police in 2024, amounting to £40 million worth of stolen equipment. 2024 was the first time tool theft numbers had dropped since 2020. The report estimated that £16 million worth of business had been collectively lost by tradespeople because of tool theft in 2024. Nearly 80% of survey respondents reported they’d been the victim of tool theft. --- Government figures indicate that construction output has flatlined in the first quarter of this year. New work output grew just 0.9%, but a drop in repair and maintenance (R&M) work was enough to cancel out any overall improvement. On a more optimistic note, total construction new orders grew by 26.6% across the first quarter, compared with the same time last year. Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist with BCIS, warned that “construction is stagnating and the government must take some positive streps to try and address this.” --- A recycled brick has been certified by the British Board of Agrément (BBA). The K-Briq, which is made from recycled construction and demolition waste can now be used for facades, feature walls and brick plinths. The manufacturer, Kenoteq, will now begin full commercial production. --- To listen to the construction news please click below
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