Cardiff Named Tool Theft Hotspot with Over 3,000 Cases Since 2020
A total of 6,701 tool thefts have been reported to South Wales Police since 2020, according to figures revealed in an FOI attained by builders’ merchant Travis Perkins.
The highest numbers were recorded in Cardiff and the Vale, with 3,114 cases, followed by Mid Glamorgan with 1,815 and Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot with 1,674.
Year on year, tool theft remains a persistent problem. Offences peaked in 2023, when 1,369 cases were logged. Even in the first seven months of 2025, nearly 600 offences have already been recorded.
Most offences are categorised as theft and handling (2,902 cases) or burglary (1,474 cases).
Detection rates are low. Since 2020, more than 4,000 cases have ended with no suspect identified, while just 143 charges have been brought.
Carine Jessamine, Group Marketing & Digital Director at Travis Perkins, commented: “Tool theft isn’t just about the cost of replacement. For tradespeople, it means missed jobs, lost income, and huge stress.
That’s why it’s vital to raise awareness of the scale of the problem and encourage everyone to take extra steps to protect their tools.”
Jessamine added: “We’re committed to supporting the trade community by highlighting these issues and helping raise awareness of the measures that can keep tools safe.”
