New data has revealed that more than half of plumbers across the UK have fallen victim to tool theft at some point in their career.
The research carried out by plumbing and drainage manufacturer Wavin found that tool theft was a common occurrence in the trade, with many installers experiencing it in the first four years of work. Although there is no easy fix for reducing tool theft, plumbers remain open-minded and realistic about the solutions to combat this crime epidemic. One in three (34%0 stated providing more funding to local initiatives would be the best solution to reducing the problem. The same proportion supported the creation of a national database that would track ownership of each individual tool, helping keep tabs on stolen property.
Participants in Wavin's 'Behind the Pipes' survey also identified that tougher penalties on those who commit tool theft (33%) could combat the rising problem. This was closely followed (32%) by introducing initiatives to make it harder for thieves to resell tools. One victim of tool theft, London-based plumber Stanley Tabersham, comments:
"Last time I had my tools stolen, I lost about five grand's worth of equipment, and ended up missing out on over two grand's worth of work. It really knocked me up, and I debated shutting up shop and getting a completely different job. It's not just about the money. I had a set of screwdrivers that were my late Grandad's stolen, it wasn't a complete set and they weren't the best in the world but it's the sentimental value of it. There needs to be serious action to tackle and prevent criminals from committing these crimes - and getting away with it - in the first place, this means tougher sentences."
Speaking about the research, Dan Scott, Vice President of Northern Europe at Wavin, says: "Tool theft is becoming all too common in our industry, and having a detrimental effect on the livelihoods of plumbers. Conducting this research has put a spotlight on the issue and helped identify realistic solutions to reduce the amount of tool theft in the UK. It is up to the government and trade bodies to listen and provide the industry with the support it needs to ensure we can progress towards a brighter and safer future."
Organised Gangs
Another recent report commissioned by construction site security specialists, BauWatch reveals that the construction sector is facing increasing pressure from organised criminal activity, with a significant rise in building site theft and the UK experiencing an increase in more than double the European average. The BauWatch Crime Report 2025 polled 3,900 construction professionals across Europe, with a 500-strong sample in the UK, and points to a 67% surge in construction site crime and high-value equipment and materials being targeted by well-organised networks, fueling a booming black market. Nearly one-third (31%) of professionals say stolen goods regularly circulate within underground networks, and, nearly half (49%) of UK construction workers report being approached with offers of 'protection'.
One in three UK workers have had to replace stolen tools or equipment out of their own pockets, adding unwanted extra pressure on cash-strapped tradespeople and wafer-thin margins. The report also highlights that small tools, power tools (52%), copper (48%), and cables (33%) are the most commonly stolen items. Construction crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with 63% of respondents noting professional tactics like hacking security systems (28%), using drones for reconnaissance (21%), and cloning digital access credentials (22%).
The growing use of drones for reconnaissance, which was cited by a quarter (26%) of UK professionals (nearly twice the European average), underscores the evolving nature of these threats. Mim Moguul, UK MD at BauWatch, describes the situation as the 'industrialisation of construction crime,' warning: "These are not petty thefts. They are calculated operations run by well-organised networks. Beyond the immediate financial impact, the consequences include delayed projects, increasing insurance costs, and even serious mental health issues for those affected, particularly SMEs and sole traders."
