11 Sep Storage for Tradespeople: Because Leaving Tools in the Van Isn’t Worth the Risk
Every builder knows someone who’s had their tools stolen. Don’t let it be you.
For tradespeople, whether you’re a builder, electrician, plumber or landscaper, your tools are your livelihood. Leaving them in your van might feel practical, but with theft rates soaring, it’s a gamble you can’t afford.
The Rising Cost of Tool Theft in the UK
- 44,514 tool thefts were reported across the UK. That’s about one every 12 minutes (Evans Insurance).
- Over 55% of these thefts happened from vans (Evans Insurance).
- Tradespeople lost an estimated £98 million worth of tools, with £82 million in lost jobs due to downtime (Direct Line).
- The average loss per tradesperson? Roughly £1,836, leaving many unable to complete projects (Vanfleet World).
A breakdown of when thefts happen reveals a worrying trend, not just late at night, but even during broad daylight. Data shows thefts between 10am and 1pm are surprisingly common.
Van Storage Offers Little Protection
Parking your van on the street or at home overnight exposes you to risk and insurance often won’t cover it. Many insurers restrict cover for tools stolen from vans unless secured in a garage or locked compound and even then, sometimes only up to a limited amount (Build News).
In the West Midlands, tool theft rose by 40% in 2023, with 863 reported incidents and more than 460 of those involved tools stolen directly from vehicles (hellorayo.co.uk).
The Ripple Effect: Far Beyond Missing Tools
- Three out of four UK tradespeople have had their tools stolen, according to recent industry surveys (Stax Trade Centres).
- Tools worth £98 million were stolen in 2023. That’s one theft every 12 minutes, with the majority taken from vans (Direct Line Group).
- Only 1% of stolen tools are ever recovered, so for most, once they’re gone, they’re gone (Insight DIY).
- 86% of tradespeople worry about tool theft all the time and 58% say it’s on their mind every single day (Stax Trade Centres).
Now think about the impact on your work and your income.
A survey by Wickes found:-
- 22% of tradespeople lost over £500 after a theft.
- 9% had to stop working for more than three days because they didn’t have the right tools to carry on.
- Many said the stress and pressure were so bad they thought about quitting the trade altogether.
That means a single break in can lead to:-
- Job delays
- Missed income
- Let down customers
- Higher insurance excesses
- And a lot of stress you don’t need
And for many, this isn’t just a one off.
It happens again. And again.
Tool Theft Reform: Real Change May Be Coming
Tool theft is now gaining traction in Parliament as a serious issue, especially for tradespeople.
The Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill has passed its first reading and seeks to reclassify tool theft as a “Category 2” offence, enabling tougher sentences even for thefts under £10,000. The bill is set for a second reading on 4 July 2025. (Hip Magazine)
An MP, Matt Vickers, is pushing the issue further, urging that penalties reflect the full impact – replacement costs, van damage and lost work. Research shows victims face up to £6,000 in losses on average. (The Sun)
Why Outdoor Self-Storage Containers Beat Van Storage Every Time
1. Better Security Than Your Van
Your van might have an alarm. But parked on the street or even in your driveway, it’s still a target. Tool theft from vans is rampant across the West Midlands and most stolen tools are never recovered.
Outdoor self-storage containers, on the other hand, offer:-
- 24/7 CCTV
- Locked gates
- Steel units with heavy duty padlocks
- No branding to give away what’s inside
2. Built for Trades: Drive Up, Load Up, Lock Up
Outdoor container storage gives you:-
- Drive up access – back your van right up to the door
- Quick unloading – no wasted time
- Generous storage capacity for all your trade equipment.
- 24/7 access when you need it – early mornings, late evenings, weekends
3. Peace of Mind
You can’t control what happens on your street at night, but you can control where you store your tools.
Storing them in a locked, monitored container takes the daily worry off your mind and reduces your risk of downtime, job delays and insurance claims.
4. Insurance-Friendly Option
Many insurers offer better coverage for tools stored in secure, reputable facilities. Outdoor, self-storage often removes the need to leave tools in a van overnight and may lower your premium.
5. Avoid Downtime and Missed Work
One stolen drill can ruin your week. A whole van load? That’s jobs lost, stress added and earnings gone.
Secure storage keeps your workflow smooth and projects on track.
6. A Smarter Way Forward
The government is working on new laws to crack down on tool theft, but that could take time.
Don’t wait for the law to change before protecting your gear.
More tradespeople are already using safe storage to stay one step ahead.
Lock it up now and save yourself the stress, cost and downtime.
Secure Trade Storage in Redditch: Keep Your Tools Protected, Always
If you’re based in Redditch or the surrounding area, we offer outdoor 20ft containers ideal for tradespeople.
Straightforward storage – solid steel units, easy drive-up access and top-level security.
- £150 per month including VAT
- No deposit
- Lock up and leave knowing your tools are protected.
Whether you’re storing power tools, spare gear or expensive equipment, it’s a whole lot safer than trusting your van.
And cheaper than replacing your kit every few months.
Secure Your Tools. Protect Your Trade
Van storage might feel convenient, but with theft statistics rising and recovery rates practically non existent, the real cost is far too high.
Self-storage is the safer, smarter choice. It protects your tools, your time and your bottom line.
Email: info@reddistores.co.uk
Tel: 01527 62308
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