What to do in the first 24 hours after van tool theft

1. Don't tidy up yet

Photograph the van exactly as you found it — forced lock, peeled panel, broken glass, empty racking. Wide shots first, then close-ups. This is the only chance you get.

2. Report it to the police

Report to your local force (101 or their online reporting form; 999 if the offender may still be nearby). Ask for the crime reference number and write it down. Most insurers will not progress a theft claim without one.

3. Build the list of what's gone

• Item, make, model and serial number for each tool.
• Approximate purchase date and price, plus receipts where you have them.
• Photographs of each item, if you took them.
• Anything with security marking, and the marking scheme reference.

If you already keep a register, this step takes minutes instead of days — and the list won't keep growing as you remember things, which is what makes claims stall.

4. Notify your insurer

Tell your tool insurer (and van insurer, if the vehicle was damaged) as soon as you can. Check whether your policy has conditions about overnight parking, locks or leaving tools in the vehicle — you'll be asked. Send the schedule, receipts, photos and crime reference together rather than in pieces.

5. Check where stolen tools go

• Local online marketplaces and auction listings for your serials and distinctive marks.
• Car boot sales and second-hand tool dealers nearby.
• Trade social media groups — stolen tool posts are often spotted quickly.
• If you find your item, do not confront anyone: pass the listing and serial to police.

6. Secure the van and record what you changed

Repairs, upgraded locks, alarms, a new parking routine — record the invoices and photograph the improvements. It supports both the current claim conversation and your next renewal.

Context and sources

Theft from vehicles accounted for 12,414 of the 25,525 tool thefts (49%) reported to UK police in 2024, according to Direct Line Business' analysis of police Freedom of Information data (29 of 45 forces supplied usable data). Surrey Police advises recording serial numbers, photographs and receipts to help prove ownership.

This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy wording and your local force's process always take precedence.