New research carried out by insurance giants Direct Line has found that three in five (60 per cent) tradespeople have been approached by or have seen somebody they believed to be selling stolen second-hand tools. 

If anything, these figures are a stark reminder of just how big an issue tool theft still is for self-employed tradespeople. And, whilst 91 per cent of those surveyed refused to purchase the tools offered to them, less than a quarter actually went on to notify the police. 

It’s clear that, even as security technology advances, there is still a general lack of public awareness and concern about tool theft. 

As a key supplier to thousands of hard-working tradespeople in the UK, Stax understands the costly consequences tool theft has on the livelihoods of tradespeople. 

It’s also worrying to note with Stax branches in Bristol, Manchester and Leeds, that each of these cities ranked in the top five regions for percentage of tradespeople who were approached by or saw a suspicious tool seller. 

Here’s the top five:

1. Bristol - 88%

2. Manchester - 84%

3. Sheffield - 82%

4. Nottingham - 81%

5. Leeds - 75%

Source: Direct Line Business Insurance