Trades Back Tougher Tool Theft Laws Amid Awareness Gap

More than seven in 10 UK tradespeople are unaware of new legislation designed to tackle tool theft, despite growing support for tougher action against offenders, according to new research.

Nearly three-quarters (71%) of tradespeople haven’t heard of the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill, which is due to return to Parliament for its second reading later this month. It aims to recognise the wider impact that tool theft has on livelihoods by increasing the severity of sentencing.

Once the proposed changes were explained, more than half (52%) said the legislation is a good idea and goes far enough, while a further 41% said it is a positive step but should go further. The research, which was commissioned by Tradesman Saver, comes as tool theft continues to affect tradespeople across the UK, with 42% saying they have already been a victim, rising to more than half (51%) of those aged 35 to 44.

But the research also revealed almost a third (32%) either do not have, or do not know if they have, specific insurance cover for tool and equipment theft, despite nearly six in 10 victims (58%) saying replacing stolen tools was their biggest concern after being targeted.

For many, the consequences go beyond replacing equipment. Four in 10 (42%) said tool theft caused stress or anxiety, while almost a third (30%) lost work, jobs or contracts as a result. Concern is especially acute among younger tradespeople, with 78% of those aged 25 to 34 believing they will be targeted at some point.

Download The Tool Theft Gap Report here

Dean Laming, Managing Director of Tradesman Saver, said: "Tool theft is not just about the value of the tools taken. For tradespeople, it can mean lost income, missed work and huge disruption to family life. It's encouraging to see the issue being taken more seriously at Government level, but our research shows there is still a major awareness gap, both around the legislation and around the financial protection people have in place. Too many tradespeople are only finding out what their insurance does or doesn't cover after the worst has happened."

The findings also show tradespeople want stronger action beyond the proposed Bill. More than half (53%) want harsher penalties for repeat offenders, 52% want stronger penalties for organised tool theft gangs, and 45% want better enforcement to improve the chances of offenders being caught and prosecuted.

Amanda Martin MP, Portsmouth North and Sponsor of the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill, said: "Tool theft is not petty crime; it is an attack on a tradesperson's livelihood, their mental health and their family's security.

"The reforms secured through the Sentencing Act 2026 mean courts must now consider the full picture of lost income, emotional distress, and business disruption, and that is real progress. But we're not stopping there. I'm pushing for a national stolen tools database, tougher action on car boot sales and secondary markets, and setting up a lending library of tools to help victims.

"While that fight continues, tradespeople cannot afford to be left exposed. Having the right financial protection in place before the worst happens, not after, could make the difference between getting back to work and losing everything."

The research was carried out in March 2026 and questioned 658 tradespeople across the UK for The Tool Theft Gap report.

Source : Tradesman Saver

Image : Tradesman Saver

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