MORE than nine in 10 tradespeople have been targeted by criminals as the fear of theft and violence rises, new research has found.
Insurer NFU Mutual found that 92% of tradespeople say they or someone they know in the sector has been a victim of theft.
In the last 12 months alone, 53% of those surveyed said they had experienced tool or equipment theft – with just shy of half having materials pinched, almost three in 10 had a vehicle stolen, and 23% were victims of organised crime.
Almost a third of tradespeople (29%) said that the fear of theft and violence on their business contributes towards difficulties with mental health. The rising cost of living (42%), financial worries (41%), stress of the job (39%), long hours (35%), and a lack of regular work (35%) were other factors.
Zoe Knight, commercial specialist at NFU Mutual, said, “Theft of tradespeople’s tools or equipment continues to blight the industry and the fact 92% of people surveyed say they – or someone they know – have been a victim speaks volumes.
“Tradespeople rely on this equipment for their income and livelihood, with crime hitting not just their pocket but, as our research shows, also having a huge and negative impact on their mental health.
“To see a third of tradespeople fearing theft or violence in their day-to-day job is worrying and we would urge tradespeople to do all they can to offput the threat of that happening – via security measures and recording serial numbers of equipment.
“We want tradespeople to feel supported and protected should the worst happen and know there is also help available for those struggling.”
Jason Jaspal, assistant director of business development at Samaritans, added, “Samaritans offers a listening ear and a safe space to share how you’re feeling 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
“It’s vital that tradespeople reach out for support when they are finding life tough, rather than letting things build up and potentially reaching a crisis point. It doesn’t matter what they’re finding challenging, Samaritans is here so they don’t have to face things alone.”
NFU Mutual Risk Management Services is sharing the following advice to tradespeople to avoid theft:
- Minimise storage of tools and equipment in vans: a robust, lockable building is preferable. Consider intruder alarms for high value equipment.
- If you have to leave tools and equipment in a van, make sure it’s alarmed and, as a minimum, park against a wall so that doors cannot be opened easily.
- Don’t make it easy for thieves to guess that equipment is kept inside (a van or a building) e.g. by leaving items on display and leaving tools around which may assist an intruder.
- Store portable items within a robust, lockable store that is fixed in place.
- Restrict and control vehicular access to the work site.
- Consider video security system (temporary systems and temporary intruder alarm systems are available for site use).
- Security mark your tools and equipment (e.g. forensic, engraving or permanent marking) to deter thieves and aid recovery.
- Don’t stockpile high value materials such as lead and copper or leave them around for longer than necessary.
- For construction vehicles use CESAR marking, tracking and immobilisation to prevent and trace thieves.
- Check all locks and security measures before leaving any site e.g. alarms switched on, cameras facing the right direction and security lights working.
