Police issue advice to tradespeople after figures show tool thefts in Lancashire among highest in country
County’s tool thefts total for last year more than double that of Merseyside
Police have issued advise to tradespeople after newly-released showed Lancashire has suffers more thefts of tools from vehicles than many part of the country.
Statistics release to the BBC Data Unt by insurance company Aviva following Freedom of Information request show that last year Lancashire saw 792 reported incidents of tool thefts.
That compared with 338 for the year in neighbouring Merseyside and was only topped in England by the Metropolitan Police area (10,718), West Yorkshire (2,194), Essex (935), Kent (915) and South Yorkshire (799).
Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day
With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe
The figure for the West Midlands Police area was 683, while there were no figures availabke for Greater Manchester.
Earlier this year, the Blackpool Business News social media site called for police action on surging tool thefts, saying “Enough is enough”.
The site’s call said: “Van break-ins and brazen tool thefts are rocking local tradespeople, and the message to police and lawmakers is loud and clear: tool theft is not petty crime—it destroys livelihoods.
“For self-employed builders, plumbers, joiners, sparkies, and decorators, a broken van window or peeled door isn't just an insurance headache.
“It means thousands of pounds in stolen gear, cancelled jobs, lost income, and weeks unable to put food on the table.
“Yet too often, victims are handed nothing more than a crime reference number while stolen kits are openly resold online and at local boot sales.
“Trades are calling for:
“Active Police Follow-Through - genuine investigation into CCTV leads, van break-in rings, and organised fencing networks;
“Crackdowns on Resale Markets - Stronger regulation and enforcement against car boot sales and online marketplaces trading second-hand tools without serial proof;
“Tougher Sentencing - Harsher judicial penalties that treat tool theft as the theft of a trade livelihood, not casual shoplifting;
“Our local trades keep this community running. If you buy cheap tools out of someone's boot or an unverified profile with no serials, you’re funding the gangs ripping off hardworking people.”
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: “We advise that tools are not left in vans and other vehicles overnight, or in insecure sheds or garages.
“Consider using a lockable cabinet within a van to store tools when going about your daily business.
“It is a good idea to mark tools with your name/company name, using paint pens or property marking systems.
“We take all reports of theft of tools seriously and will investigate any reports that we receive.
“If you are a victim of a crime, please report it by contacting 101.”