Tool theft: the trade continues to fight back

The second reading of a new bill designed to impose tougher penalties on tool thieves is due to take place next month, and tradespeople and manufacturers are continuing to push for lasting change.

Earlier this year, gas engineer Shoaib Awan led hundreds of tradespeople in a van rally to Westminster. The goal was to put tool theft on the national agenda. The protest, with its banners, convoys and speeches, made headlines and showed just how urgently the industry wants action.

According to Van Watch, tradespeople are 13 times more likely to have their van broken into than their home and the average cost of stolen tools is more than £2,200.60. But that doesn’t account for the hidden cost of losing out on jobs or the impact on mental health: research shows that construction workers are four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average and financial strain is a major contributor.

Shoaib, himself a victim of tool theft, is determined to keep the issue in the spotlight and not let it fall off the agenda. Since the Westminster rally, he’s been working directly with police forces, Trading Standards and MPs to keep up the pressure. He wants mandatory minimum sentencing for offenders, a dedicated police taskforce to deal with tool theft and better regulation of second-hand sales.

Support is also growing from within the industry, where manufacturers including Talon have stepped up to stand alongside the trade in calling for reform, sending a clear message that this is an issue affecting the whole industry.

“Tool theft has a devastating impact on tradespeople every day,” says Mike Morris, Talon’s marketing manager. “It’s not just lost tools: it’s lost work, lost income and huge stress. We feel it’s important to stand alongside the trade and support this campaign. Manufacturers like us have a responsibility to help push for real change.”

Shoaib is urging everyone to stay active, whether that’s sharing personal stories online, contacting local MPs or reporting anything suspicious. And if the worst does happen, Shoaib says solidarity matters most. “Support others in the community when theft happens,” he urges, “whether it’s lending tools or helping raise awareness. We’re stronger together.”