Simply Business issues warning after November deemed worst month for UK tool theft

Online business insurance broker Simply Business has issued a warning to tradespeople after its internal analysis revealed that November is the worst month for UK tool theft – typically, one in 10 tool theft claims are made in November.

This finding is based on Simply Business’ analysis of 290,000 of its policies between 2017 and 2021. 

The broker warned that during winter months - when there are less daylight hours - there is a significant uptick in the number of tool thefts. This usually peaks in November, while August is the month with the lowest recorded number of tool thefts.

Alan Thomas, Simply Business’ UK chief executive, said: “With winter now setting in, it’s vital that tradespeople take the necessary precautions over the coming months – our claims data shows tool thieves are at their most active in the month of November.

“We’ve seen the profound impact of tool theft firsthand, costing tradespeople £4,470 on average.

”Those on the receiving end are often forced to take time off work - [this results in a] financial hit and longer-term repercussions on future business.”

Stamping out tool theft

In October 2022, Simply Business launched a campaign called Stamp Out Tool Theft in association with On the Tools, the UK’s largest construction-based community.

The campaign followed Simply Business’ survey of more than 2,000 tradespeople that was conducted between August and September this year. This revealed that 78% of respondents have had their tools stolen – totalling an estimated £2.8bn worth of tools stolen across the UK.

Monthly breakdown