Van tool theft costs UK businesses £1.7bn as fleets face costly downtime

Tool theft is causing significant disruption for UK van fleets, with one in five van drivers falling victim in 2025 and businesses facing an estimated £1.7 billion bill for stolen equipment, according to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ annual survey.

The operational impact is substantial, with 92% of affected tradespeople losing at least one working day following a theft. More than a quarter (26%) reported being unable to work for a full week, disrupting schedules, delaying customer jobs and reducing vehicle productivity.

The average value of tools stolen in a single incident was £1,710, excluding lost earnings and vehicle repair costs. For 13% of respondents, stolen equipment was worth more than £3,000.

Although tool theft fell from 28% of van drivers in 2024 to 20% in 2025, the findings highlight the ongoing risks for businesses reliant on commercial vehicles and specialist equipment. Replacing tools and repairing damaged vans can add further costs while vehicles and drivers remain out of action.

Volkswagen has highlighted security measures as one way to help protect operators, such as smart alarm systems. Its latest Transporter model includes a 'Safelock' locking and starting system designed to prevent doors being unlocked after a window is smashed.

John Ricardo-Neto, Head of Product Planning at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Tradespeople deliver essential work all around the country – from builders, plumbers, and electricians, all the way through to delivery drivers.

Tool theft continues to threaten these key workers, and the resulting cost, downtime, and worry is an issue for everybody using any of those services.”

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