For many years, The Workers Union has been highlighting the growing issue of tool theft from tradespeople and workers, and we are pleased to see that this matter has now caught the attention of the mainstream media. In our previous articles, “Tradespeople hit by wave of tool thefts” and “Tradespeople hit by second spate of tool thefts”, we emphasized the urgent need for better protection and stronger legislation to deter thieves targeting the livelihoods of hardworking individuals.
Recently, the story of Dennis Richardson, a roofer from Maidstone, Kent, has brought this issue back into the spotlight. Mr Richardson lost £3,000 worth of tools in the mere time it took him to grab a coffee. “I’ve got a family, and we’ve got to eat, we’ve got to pay bills. To suddenly have to find £3,000 is not easy,” he said, echoing the sentiments of countless tradespeople across the UK who face similar hardships that tradespeople are unable to work after tool thefts.
The impact of tool theft on tradespeople
Recent research indicates that tens of millions of pounds worth of equipment are stolen annually, with about half of all reported tool theft incidents in 2023 involving vehicles. Many of these thefts leave vans severely damaged, compounding the financial burden on victims.
Tradespeople like Mr Richardson are increasingly altering their work patterns to avoid high-risk areas. “I stay away from certain areas of London now. It’s restricted the jobs I want to take,” he noted. This sentiment is shared by many workers within the industry who face not only the direct financial impact of theft but also long-term career implications.
Builder Stephen Baker’s harrowing experience illustrates the profound personal toll of such crimes. After losing £15,000 worth of tools in just over four minutes, he found himself unable to work, leading to the collapse of his business and severe mental health struggles. “It’s not just your tools that have gone missing, it’s your career, your way of providing for family, it’s everything,” he shared.
Legislative action on the horizon
In response to growing public outcry, a bill tabled by Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, seeks to impose harsher sentencing for tool thieves. The Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill aims to recognize the significant additional harm caused to victims, including vehicle repair costs and loss of income. The bill is set for its second reading in April.
Tradespeople from across the UK gathered in London’s Parliament Square to rally for stronger enforcement and legislative changes. Campaign group Trades United, founded by gas fitter Shoaib Awan after losing £8,500 worth of tools, is advocating for longer sentences and stricter regulations on the resale of second-hand tools. “Things have to change. The penalties and punishments have to be there,” said Mr Awan.
Kent Police has also highlighted the scale of the issue, with nearly 4,000 stolen tools, worth about £1 million, stored in shipping containers at their Maidstone HQ. Officers are pushing for compulsory registration of power tools’ serial numbers at the point of purchase to aid in tracing stolen items.
The Workers Union Says…
“The Workers Union has long been at the forefront of calling for better protection for tradespeople. We believe that the current legal framework does not adequately address the severe financial and emotional impact of tool theft on workers. We support the proposed legislation and urge the government to implement comprehensive measures, including tougher penalties and improved tracking systems for tools.
As this issue gains traction in the media and Parliament, we will continue to advocate for the rights and protection of tradespeople across the UK. Our commitment remains unwavering: ensuring that workers can perform their jobs without the constant threat of theft undermining their livelihoods.”
