'Behind every theft is a real person' - Over 4,500 cases of stolen tools reported in Lancashire since 2021
New data has revealed that there were over 4,500 cases of stolen tools reported to Lancashire Police over the past 5 years.
According to Freedom of Information data obtained by 2580 Group, 4,507 tool thefts were reported to Lancashire Constabulary between January 2021 and December 2025. Last year, two men were jailed for £200k thefts from farms in Lancaster and Morecambe, with the stolen items including tools such as screwdrivers, cutting pliers and socket attachments.
In response to the findings, a spokesperson at 2580 Group said: “When tools are stolen, it’s not just an inconvenience. It means missed jobs, lost income, cancelled contracts and, in many cases, thousands of pounds spent replacing equipment just to get back to work. Behind every theft is a real person or business whose livelihood has been disrupted.
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“But the impact is being felt even more sharply right now because businesses are already being squeezed from every direction. Whether you’re a large firm or a one-man band, the rising cost of trading has really put huge pressure on businesses.
“Losing tools or specialist equipment can be disastrous for businesses that are already operating on tight margins, dealing with delayed payments, and trying to keep cash flow under control. Not to mention, the Autumn Budget has only added to that pressure, with higher employment costs and wages set to rise again, forcing businesses to make difficult decisions about staffing, pay and pricing.
“At the moment, tool theft is generally treated as a low-level crime based purely on the value of the tools taken. That’s why the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill has become such an important issue for the industry.
“The proposed changes would recognise the real harm caused, including lost earnings, business disruption and repair costs, and allow courts to impose tougher sentences that better reflect the true impact on tradespeople’s lives.
“While tool theft can happen anywhere, the data shows that certain areas are clear hotspots. Knowing where theft is most common can help tradespeople take extra precautions and potentially avoid lost earnings and rising insurance premiums.”