Traders' tools stolen every 20 minutes in UK Traders' tools worth thousands of pounds were stolen somewhere in the UK every 20 minutes last year, figures show. At least 26,164 tool thefts were recorded in 2025, based on responses from 30 police forces who shared data. The true figure is likely to be higher as a further 15 forces could not respond. Gangs and chancers are behind the crimes, according to Labour MP Amanda Martin, who is calling for her government to do more to help. The Home Office said it was working with the police to tackle and prevent tool theft to protect more hardworking tradespeople, including increasing neighbourhood policing, investing in police and working with industry and AI to tackle the sale of stolen goods.