No receipt no resale – tradespeople call for restrictions on the sale of second-hand tools

• Two thirds (67 per cent) of tradespeople favour a ban on the sale of second-hand tools unless the seller can provide proof of ownership
• Seven in ten (70 per cent) tradespeople have had tools stolen in the past two years 
• Almost half (47 per cent) of tradespeople have been approached by, or witnessed, someone selling tools which they believed were stolen

Research conducted by Direct Line business insurance1 reveals over two thirds of tradespeople (67 per cent) favour a ban on the sale of second-hand tools, unless the seller can provide proof of ownership. The insight comes as seven in ten (70 per cent) tradespeople report having had tools stolen within the past two years, with 65 per cent saying tool theft is on the rise.

Thieves frequently resell stolen tools on social media, online marketplaces, and car boot sales. In the last year alone, almost half (47 per cent) of tradespeople report having been approached by, or witnessed, someone selling tools they believed were stolen. Of these, almost two thirds (56 per cent) reported the suspicious tools to the marketplace, trade authority, or police, while 92 per cent refused to purchase them.

When it comes to the general public, further research from Direct Line business insurance2 found that three quarters (75 per cent) of people would not feel confident identifying stolen tools being resold, indicating how the requirement to provide proof of ownership when selling second-hand tools could help stifle the market for stolen tools.

Table 1 - Where members of the public bought second-hand tools from

Source: Direct Line business insurance 2025

Mark Summerville, SME Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance, commented: 

“Our research3 shows that the frequency of tool theft has been on the rise for several years, despite tradespeople taking additional precautions to protect their tools. So it is no surprise that 83 per cent of tradespeople are concerned about tool theft.

“While there is no silver bullet to stop tool theft, tighter rules around providing proof of purchase when selling second-hand tools could help make it harder for criminals to resell goods. It’s also important that tradespeople have adequate insurance in place to help them get back up and running, should their tools be stolen and to take precautions to protect their tools where possible.” 

ENDS

Notes to editors

1 Censuswide survey with 500 UK tradespeople. The data was collected between 10.01.2025 and 15.01.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

2 Opinium survey with a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults. The data was collected between 07.01.2025 and 10.01.2025. 

3 £98 million worth of tools stolen from tradespeople - Direct Line Group

For further information please contact:   

Unni Henry, PR Manager   

Direct Line Group 

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk

About Direct Line business insurance  

Launched in 2007 Direct Line business insurance now has over half a million customer policies, providing a flexible range of insurance products for the landlord, van and small business sectors.  

Direct Line business insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.  

Direct Line business insurance and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.   

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