UK’s hardest-hit areas

● 2.4m ‘Anguish’ sculpture crafted entirely from recycled tools

● Research* reveals over a third (38%) of UK tradespeople have been victims of tool theft, with the vast majority (99%) never recovered, leading to significant stress and anxiety (21%)

● The sculpture’s launch in Leeds marks the start of a national campaign by home improvement retailer Wickes, who is pledging to mark over 260,000 tools for free across the UK in 2026 to support tradespeople nationwide

A striking sculpture named ‘Anguish’ has been unveiled to highlight the profound and often hidden turmoil faced by the nation’s tradespeople following tool theft.

Commissioned by home improvement retailer Wickes, the 2.4m tall sculpture was revealed in Leeds, West Yorkshire - one of the UK’s hardest-hit regions for tool theft.

Created by renowned recycling artist Ptolemy Elrington in over 400 hours, the ‘jagged form’ is built from reclaimed power tools and spanners, with power tools deliberately dominating the structure as the most commonly stolen items. It serves as a physical representation of the national crisis, which is exposed in research from Wickes*. The findings show that over a third (38%) of UK tradespeople have had tools stolen, with the average value of goods totalling over £2,500 per individual, forcing the vast majority (77%) of tradesmen to replace them from their own savings.

The repercussions are not just financial. Over one in five (21%) tradespeople affected suffer from ongoing stress and anxiety, with some left unable to work (12%) and others considering leaving the industry altogether (7%).

In response to this crisis, Wickes is launching its most significant campaign to date to stand side-by-side with the trade community. Last year, the retailer’s efforts included helping to protect 25,000 tools by marking them with forensic marking technology at community events. It also supported MP Amanda Martin with the parliamentary reading of the Equipment Theft Prevention Bill. However, feeling there was more to be done, the business is now offering further support.

David Wood, CEO of Wickes, said: “Tool theft is a devastating issue, and we hear first-hand about its real impact. The statistics speak for themselves, but this is about more than just numbers; it affects people’s livelihoods, confidence, and emotional wellbeing. That’s why it’s crucial we take action. Wickes are standing side by side with the trade to help tackle tool theft by raising awareness and marking over 260,000 tools for free in 2026 through nationwide Theft Prevention Community events in partnership with DeterTech, using specialist technology. Our partnership with CALM also ensures support is available for those affected by the emotional impact of tool theft.”

Simon Gunning, CEO of Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and Wickes’ charity partner, said: “The fallout from tool theft is often underestimated. Beyond the immediate financial hit, tradespeople face uncertainty, anxiety, and feelings of vulnerability. CALM is proud to partner with Wickes to bring this crucial aspect of the issue to the forefront and encourage tradespeople to talk about their struggles, whilst feeling supported.”

Following its launch, the ‘Anguish’ sculpture will tour the country, appearing at Wickes Theft Prevention Community Events and FixFest, the UK’s only festival for tradespeople, where Wickes is a headline sponsor and also sponsors the Tool Theft Prevention Zone. At these events, Wickes will be giving out free SmartWater tool marking kits and demonstrating how to use the forensic marking liquid. This liquid is invisible to the naked eye but glows under UV light, is extremely hard to remove, and provides a strong deterrent to thieves. The kits also include high‑visibility tamper‑resistant deterrent labels, ensuring tools are not only marked with forensic technology but also carry a bold, visible warning to ward off potential thieves.

Upcoming tour locations include:

● Wickes Wolverhampton, West Street, WV10 6HT – 3rd June, (9am-1pm)

● Wickes Northampton – 9th June, (9am-3pm)

● Wickes Rayleigh – 17th June, (9am-1pm)

● Wickes Minworth – 30th June, (9am-1pm)

● FixFest, Delapré Abbey in Northampton – 11th July

More information on the campaign and tour dates can be found at: https://www.wickes.co.uk/home-improvers-community

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Wickes Mood of the Nation survey, conducted by Trinity McQueen in Feb 2026

*Demographic: 318 trade professional respondents in the UK

For more information, please get in touch with the Wickes Press Office at Clarion Communications on 020 7479 0910 or email wickes@clarioncomms.co.uk

Or visit our website wickes.co.uk

Instagram: @Wickes

X: @Wickes

Facebook: @Wickes

Tiktok: @Wickes

Tool Theft Case Studies

Jamie Gilhooley

Age: 38

Location: East Lothian, Edinburgh

For Jamie, a landscaper who built his business over nine years, had his van, fully loaded with tools, stolen.

The incident, captured on CCTV in early March, posed a significant challenge to his livelihood, impacting his ability to work and creating stress for his family, including his young daughters. The financial loss was substantial, encompassing the £5,000 value of the van, £2,000 in improvements, and £4,000 worth of tools.

In navigating this difficult period, Jamie found support through a men's mental health talking group. Sharing his experience proved beneficial, leading the group to initiate a GoFundMe page to assist him in rebuilding his business. The positive community response highlights the impact of such incidents and the value of collective support.

Dave Aslaksen

Age: 46

Location: Liverpool

For Dave, a dedicated decorator from Liverpool, tool theft isn't just a statistic; it's a raw, lived experience. He recalls a chilling morning working on a hotel: within three minutes of opening at 7am, his ladders were brazenly stolen from his van roof. This swift, inconvenient act immediately set him back, causing delays on the job for himself and his team.

The incident, followed by past experiences of catching thieves in the act of attempted break-ins has led him to get rid of his van entirely, opting instead for a car with a large boot to avoid drawing attention from thieves.

Dave emphasises that thieves often fail to grasp the long-term, detrimental effects their actions have on honest tradespeople's livelihoods and peace of mind.

About Wickes

Wickes is a digitally led, service-enabled home improvement retailer. With an extensive range of products and DIY brands, a Kitchen & Bathroom design and installation service, solar panel offerings, and a loyalty scheme for local trade, Wickes is the perfect partner to help with both small and large-scale projects. With 230 stores across the UK and an extended range online, it has everything customers need, whether an amateur DIY-er or trade professional.

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