Stockton’s Conservative MP Matt Vickers has put forward proposals in Parliament to crack down on the epidemic of tool theft in Britain
Research from Direct Line shows what an issue tool theft has become in Britain, with almost 45,000 tool thefts reported to police in a single year – amounting to one being reported every 12 minutes. The research also showed thefts are on the rise, despite tradespeople spending on average £626 on additional security. Furthermore, tradespeople lost an estimated £82 million worth of jobs last year due to tool theft.
Additional research from On The Tools also found that 86% of UK tradespeople worry about tool theft, and 75% have had tools stolen at some point in their working lives. Worryingly, nearly nine out of ten said they didn’t get adequate support from the police.
Shadow Policing and Crime Minister Matt Vickers has seen the impact first-hand. The MP’s dad and brother are both builders – with his dad having suffered from tool theft himself. The local MP is taking action, and took part in a Trades United rally in Parliament Square earlier this year to campaign for action on tool theft.
Measures put forward to Parliament by Matt include:
- Fines for tool theft to reflect the cost of replacing victims’ tools, repairing damage, and lost work.
- Theft of tools must lead to tougher sentences for offenders.
- Councils must put in place an enforcement plan to stop the sale of stolen tools at car boot sales.
Stockton West Conservative MP Matt Vickers MP said:
“My dad and brother are both builders, so I know only too well the direct impact tool theft has on people’s livelihoods.
“It isn’t just the cost of replacing the tools, it’s disappointed customers and days of lost income. It’s time to crack down on tool theft and stand up for our hardworking tradesmen who are the backbone of our economy.
“Our tough new plans will introduce tough new sentences, make sure victims get the compensation they deserve, and crack down on the sale of stolen tools.”
“It’s time to stand up for our hardworking tradespeople.”
