TVL Security drives up awareness on tool theft
Vehicle safeguarding specialist TVL Security has explained how it has been helping to combat concerning levels of tool theft through educational efforts aimed at operators, and collaboration with vehicle manufacturers.
“2025 has been a landmark year in the fight against tool theft, headlined by the powerful Stop Tool Theft rally in Westminster this February that brought much-needed national attention to the growing threat tradespeople face daily,” said Laura Moran, managing director at TVL Security (pictured, right).
“Yet, despite rising awareness, statistics reveal that a troubling number of individuals continue to profit from stealing the tools that honest workers rely on for their livelihoods.
“Today, tools are stolen every 12 minutes in the UK, while the Metropolitan Police recorded £16.3 million worth of stolen tools in just 2023 alone. Factor in how many thefts go unreported, and the scale of the issue is frankly terrifying.
“It’s why at TVL Group, we have vastly expanded our efforts in recent years not just to develop best-in-class security products, but also to place great emphasis on collaboration and education.”
On the former, says Laura, several avenues have proven fruitful.
“For instance, we’ve accelerated our efforts to collaborate directly with key manufacturers – namely Ford and Mercedes, both of which we’re delighted to now hold official partnerships with. These partnerships are critical to our ambition to make it as simple and as easy as possible for both larger operators and sole traders to access robust and reliable vehicle security.
“Separately, across this year, one of our most rewarding initiatives has been supporting free tool marking events across the South East and London. In partnership with police, local businesses, and industry allies, we’ve engaged directly with hundreds of tradespeople to highlight the importance of marking tools and also to equip them with practical ways to protect their equipment.”
While tool theft has gained more attention this year, Laura contends that much more needs to be done to curb the daily wave of criminal activity across the country.
“As highlighted during February’s rally, real progress will require continued action and commitment from decision-makers in Westminster,” she continued.
“Creating a nationwide database for marked tools could have an immediate and powerful impact. With every tool traceable, police would be better equipped to return stolen items, reducing the appeal of theft and helping protect tradespeople’s livelihoods.
“We’re under no illusion that a tool database alone will end tool theft, though. That’s why we, along with others in the sector, strongly believe police need greater resources to track, investigate, and arrest offenders. Then, if perpetrators are apprehended in time, those caught should face significantly tougher penalties.
“In an environment where every minute counts – and where the theft of tools can disrupt not just a day’s work but an entire livelihood – it’s clear that action is needed now more than ever. We stand alongside our peers in demanding greater protection, more effective policies, and a future where every tool is securely marked and accounted for.”
With regards to physical security, there are several measures that all vehicle owners should ensure are in place to best protect their property, Laura says.
“Vehicles should be stored overnight in a secure location, preferably one monitored by CCTV. They should also always lock doors and windows, checking them manually, and ensure alarms or immobilisers are activated. If an alarm sounds, investigate immediately.
“Parking in garages or with doors against a wall boosts security, while upgrading locks or adding protective features is also worth considering to deter theft. And, if these measures fail, simply emptying vehicles after each shift, at least of the most valuable tools and equipment, could be a saving grace.
“We also recommend using our online community, Tell TVL, to report any instances of tool or van theft across the UK. By sharing their stories, contributors can help alert others to emerging theft methods and provide valuable intelligence to police. All data is securely collected and shared with law enforcement to support national efforts against van crime.
“Registered users also receive anonymised reports on crime hotspots and tailored prevention advice based on current trends.”
But she warned: “It is imperative that we as an industry address the root of the problem – stealing tools is such an attractive proposition for criminals because they’re so easily sold if they’re not marked.
“Imagine if there were a nationwide database where every tool’s ownership could be verified before purchase – that would instantly reduce the appeal for thieves. There are several marking solutions available, but a unified system would go a long way to solving this issue.”
