Repeat thefts are becoming a worrying trend for tradespeople, with almost one in two victims saying they had been targeted more than once over the last 12 months. New research from commercial insurer NFU Mutual found that overall, more than seven in 10 tradespeople experienced theft in the last year – and of those, 46% were hit by criminals on multiple occasions. Over a third suffered from theft twice, almost one in 10 (8%) were targeted three times and, alarmingly, 3% said they were stolen from more than three times in the last 12 months. According to those surveyed, the most common theft for workers in the industry was from a site (35%), while a third had tools or equipment stolen from their vehicle, and 16% said they had a vehicle taken over the past year. Opportunist thieves often strike vehicles and at sites in the hope equipment and tools will be left unattended. NFU Mutual’s research showed three-quarters of tradespeople said they leave tools or equipment in their vehicle, while eight in 10 admitted to leaving tools and portable equipment on sites overnight at different times. It is an issue that is front-of-mind for sole traders across the UK, with the biggest concern among those surveyed being the cost of replacing stolen equipment (41%), with becoming a victim of theft or repeat theft next on the list (37%). The mental health impact of tool theft is also stark. A recent survey by construction community On The Tools found that 85% of tradespeople worry daily or weekly about tool theft. Lee Wilcox, co-founder and CEO of On The Tools, said: “Tool theft is a crisis that affects not only tradespeople’s livelihoods but also their mental health. It’s an epidemic we can no longer ignore. “On The Tools is proud to support the upcoming Trades United van rally and to provide practical ways for people to amplify their voices. Change is long overdue, and it’s time for the government to act decisively.” NFU Mutual is sharing the following advice to tradespeople:
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