Tradespeople call for action on tool theft
![Tools in Van [Canva]](https://www.igem.org.uk/static/b5ef75d9-5019-440c-b189b3362558c9bb/300x180_highestperformance__4a7c7e45a350/Tools-in-Van-Canva.png)
Gas engineers and other tradespeople are calling for tougher penalties to tackle the growing issue of tool theft, which continues to disrupt businesses across the UK. With tools being essential for day-to-day work, theft can leave individuals unable to complete jobs, facing significant financial strain, and struggling to recover.
Speaking at a recent rally in London, campaigners highlighted the severe impact of tool theft on livelihoods. One gas fitter, Shoaib Awan, described the issue as a “plague that cripples businesses – the loss of work, the loss of earnings.” After experiencing theft himself, he founded the campaign group Trades United to push for stronger deterrents, including stricter penalties and better regulation of second-hand tool sales.
According to industry research, tens of millions of pounds worth of equipment is stolen each year, with many incidents involving work vans. Thieves often cause extensive damage when breaking into vehicles, adding repair costs to the financial burden of lost tools. The theft of specialist equipment can also prevent engineers from carrying out essential work, delaying projects and affecting customers.
To address these concerns, a proposed bill in Parliament aims to introduce harsher sentencing for those convicted of tool theft. It also seeks to account for the full financial impact of these crimes, including loss of work and vehicle damage. Police forces have also called for better traceability of stolen tools, suggesting the introduction of mandatory serial number registration at the point of purchase.
The Bill is due for a second reading in April.