Tool theft from UK van drivers has increased, with more than a quarter (28%) falling victim to the crime in 2024 – up from just under a fifth (19%) the year before. The survey of 1,000 UK van drivers, conducted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, found that the value of the stolen tools rose by more 40%, averaging £2,433 last year. Furthermore, more than a quarter (27%) of tool theft crimes were valued at £3,500 and above – compared to just 10% exceeding that value in 2023. On top of the financial burden that stolen equipment brings, the majority (86%) of tool theft victims were forced to take unplanned downtime while they restocked their vans and repaired locks, resulting in an average of 3.97 days off work. This is compared to just 1.90 days the year before, highlighting the significant disruption that the increase in tool theft is bringing.