How to prevent tool theft in winter: 7 tips for tradespeople

As the days get shorter and the weather turns colder, some risks become a bigger threat for tradespeople across the UK and knowing how to prevent tool theft in particular is a no brainer. 

From electricians and plumbers to builders and decorators, tools are tradespeople’s livelihoods — and losing them to theft can mean lost income, missed jobs, and expensive replacements. 

Winter throws its own curveballs but with a few smart precautions, you can protect your gear and keep your business running smoothly. 

In this guide we’ll walk through 7 ways to prevent tool theft over the colder months and put off would-be tool thieves. 

Disclaimer – any advice given below in relation to insurance should be taken as general guidance. Please always check policy wording, policy schedule and insurer terms and conditions for exact coverage details. 

Winter risks tradesmen face 

Previous Met Police data shows tool theft tends to spike in winter, with November and October the #1 month for tool theft cases in 2022 and 2023. 

Throw together bad weather, early nights, and quiet construction sites, and you’ve got a perfect storm for tool thieves to go unnoticed. 

Winter months bring risks with them, like: 

• Less daylight hours – getting dark earlier means reduced visibility and higher chances of not having eyes on your van even in the afternoon 

• Seasonal holidays – going away for several days at a time can leave tools left at home vulnerable 

• Fewer people around – less people out and about means less witnesses to put would-be thieves off 

• Extreme weather – cold and wet conditions can wreak havoc with security systems 

How to prevent tool theft over winter 

1. Park strategically 

Where and how you park your van can make a big difference – especially when it gets darker earlier! 

Aim to park in well-lit, busy areas where suspicious activity is more likely to be noticed. If possible, back your van up against a wall or another vehicle to block access to rear doors. 

At home, park in a locked garage or on a driveway with motion-sensor lighting and CCTV. Even little things like a steering wheel lock or a cheeky ‘CCTV in use’ sticker can make a thief think twice. 

2. Install vehicle alarms 

It’s easy to say “park somewhere well-lit” or “park somewhere in sight” but we know that’s easier said than done – not everyone has a driveway or the option to park near a job site. 

If you leave tools overnight in your van, alarms give you an audible warning that someone’s trying to break into your vehicle. So, even if you can’t park in sight, you’ll still know something’s going on. 

Most modern vehicles come with factory-fitted alarm systems, but you may want to invest in a more advanced, comprehensive system for an extra layer of security. 

*Note – many insurance policies won’t cover tools stolen from a van parked away from home or a job site. This makes it even more important to secure your van to prevent tool theft if you have to park elsewhere. 

3. Think about night vision cameras 

When there’s less daylight hours, night vision is your best friend! First, check if any of your existing cameras have night vision capabilities and make sure it’s enabled (if not already). 

If you don’t have any with night vision features, install security cameras that do have it around your home or business premises. These cameras can capture clear footage even in low-light conditions, which is crucial during the darker winter months. 

Some modern systems also offer motion detection alerts straight to your phone, so you can act quickly if someone is snooping around your home, van or site and hopefully prevent tool theft in action. 

4. Plan for the holidays 

It’s routine to think about how you leave your house when you go away for the holidays – making it look like someone’s home, having lights on timers etc. But do you think about tools left behind or where you leave your work van? 

If you’re going away for days at a time, make sure you don’t leave tools somewhere not secure. Bring tools into the house if you can (don’t leave them in your van), make sure they’re securely locked away and invest in home security like motion detection sensors and outside cameras – the ones that send notifications to your phone are best if you’re away from home! 

It’s also wise to secure your van – park it in your garage if you can, on your driveway or somewhere in line of sight of CCTV (like outdoor security cameras or even your video doorbell). 

5. Check and protect locks 

With winter comes colder temperatures and wet weather. This can take its toll on your home and van locks: 

• Any moisture in the locks can expand when frozen and may damage the integrity of them 

• Extreme cold can make metal more brittle, making locks easier to break if forced open or twisted 

Check locks regularly, protect them from moisture if possible and consider keyless options for suitable doors. 

6. Avoid social posting about your tools 

If you get gifted new tools over Christmas, or you’ve finally treated yourself after saving all year, you’re probably super excited to shout about your new gear. 

It’s natural to want to share your excitement with friends and snap a photo for social media, but the worst thing you can do is to post about it online. 

Sharing your new gadgets online essentially advertises to would-be tool thieves that you’ve got brand-new, high-value goods they can get their hands on if they try. 

7. Check house boundaries 

The fencing around your house probably isn’t the first thing on your mind but it should be. Winter weather can mean your fencing gets a battering, with strong winds leading to a lot of fencing weakening or falling over. 

Falling fence panels or even loose fencing could give easy access to tool thieves. This is particularly important if you store trade tools outside in a shed or outbuilding – don’t make life easier for tool theft criminals, check your fencing! 

The same goes for any padlocked gates – check the locks are still in good condition and aren’t horribly rusted and brittle. 

Can you get financial protection for your trade tools? 

Absolutely! Even after taking all the precautions you can, there’s always a chance that the worst can happen. 

Having your tools stolen can bring a lot of monetary burdens – costs to replace tools, costs to repair damage from forced entry, lost income from cancelled projects and an inability to accept new contracts. 

Tool insurance is a safety net for tradies and can cover the costs to repair or replace tools that are stolen, or even accidentally damaged by fire. It can offer financial protection and minimise disruption, helping you get back to work quicker. 

Tools cover isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, so take time to compare policies and find one that suits your trade and the value of your equipment. It’s often included in standard tradesman insurance or available as an add-on alongside public liability and professional indemnity cover. 

Make sure you check the fine print — especially limits, exclusions, and whether your tools are covered overnight in vans or on-site. 

What does tool insurance cover? 

It always depends on who you’re insured with, but most tools insurance covers your everyday essential ‘tools of trade’ — the stuff you actually use on the job, like hand tools and handheld power tools. 

That could include drills, screwdrivers, nail guns, sanders, saws, pliers and blow torches. 

We dive deeper into what it may or may not cover in our tool insurance guide. 

How much is tool insurance?

How much tool insurance costs is tricky to pin down with an exact figure. Premiums can vary quite a bit. A big factor can be which insurer you go with — each one offers different levels of cover, benefits, and of course, different price tags to match. 

Other factors that can affect your premium include: 

• Total value of tools you’re insuring 

• Extra coverage included (tools in transit, or tools stored overnight in your van) 

• What your trade is (what risks you face) 

• Payment basis (if you’re covered for current tool value or new-for-old value) 

• The type of policy (standalone tools over or tools insurance included in a combined policy) 

• Payment option (one-off payment vs monthly instalments) 

Tools cover with Kingsbridge 

Our own comprehensive Trades Insurance includes Goods & Tools cover with Public Liability and Employers’ Liability so you don’t have to juggle multiple policies across different providers.   

Key cover highlights include:    

• Up to £2,500 Goods & Tools cover included as standard    

• Covers tools stolen overnight from a secured van (with signs of forced entry) 

• Optional add-ons available like Contract Works, Hired in Plant, Owned Plant, and Professional Indemnity  

• Nil excess on most professions covered    

• Real support from in-house dedicated experts    

• No hidden fees    

Have a question? You can contact us and speak to our in-house experts – they’ll be happy to help you get the right coverage for you trade! If you fancy a chat you can call them on 01242 808740. 

*Please note – Kingsbridge Goods & Tools cover is only available as an add-on with our Trades Insurance package policy. It’s not available as stand-alone insurance.

Tool theft FAQs 

What’s the best way to prevent tool theft in winter? 

The best way to protect your gear is to stay vigilant, keep tools secure and take extra precautions. This could include taking tools out of your van overnight and storing them somewhere secure. If that’s not possible, use a van vault, install deadlocks, and park in a well-lit area. Alarms and motion-sensor lights help too. Marking your tools with your postcode or company name makes them harder to sell and easier to trace if stolen. 

What insurance covers tool theft? 

Tool theft is usually covered by a dedicated tool insurance policy. You can get it on its own or as part of a combined tradesman insurance product. Some van insurance or home insurance policies offer tools cover, but it’s often limited. 

Make sure your policy includes theft, damage, and loss – and check if it covers tools stored in your van or tools in transit. 

Does tool insurance cover tools stolen from my van? 

Yes it can, but only if your policy specifically covers this and if your van was properly secured. Most insurers require the van to be locked, with tools stored out of sight or in a secure container. Some also ask that it’s parked in a safe location overnight. 

How can I secure my van while I’m away for the holidays? 

Start by removing all tools and storing them indoors. Lock your van with deadlocks or steering wheel locks and park somewhere well-lit or with CCTV. Alarms and “No tools left in this van overnight” stickers can also help. If you’re away for a while, consider using a secure storage unit or tool vault. 

How much does tool insurance cost? 

Tool insurance costs can vary quite a bit depending on your trade, the value of your tools, and the type of cover you choose. The price typically goes up if you need higher cover limits or extras like overnight protection or tools in transit. Paying annually instead of monthly can sometimes get you a discount. So, while there’s no one-size-fits-all price, it’s worth comparing quotes and checking what’s actually included. 

Do you need receipts for tool insurance? 

It’s best practice to keep receipts or other proofs of purchase. This will help calculate the total sum to insure, the single item limit you need and prove ownership and verify amounts in the event of a claim. 

Is tools cover included with business insurance? 

Some will business cover include tools but check with your provider. If it’s included, make sure it covers what you need (tool types and value limits). If it isn’t included, it might be available as an add-on. 

Is tool insurance worth it? 

For many tradespeople, tools cover is worth it — tool insurance covers theft, damage, and loss. Look for policies that include overnight van storage and check for exclusions. It’s a smart investment for many trades, but whether you find it worth it will depend on your circumstances and the cover you need. 

What should I do if my tools are stolen? 

Report the theft to the police with serial numbers and photos. Notify your insurer and check local marketplaces for stolen tools. Registering tools beforehand, keeping an inventory and collecting receipts/proof of purchase helps with recovery.