Hitting back against tool theft: Major tradespeople rally demands harder punishment
In a major van rally organised by campaign group Trades United, tradespeople from across the UK drove from Brent Cross to Parliament Square in central London on Monday, calling for tougher punishments to deter the theft and resale of their tools.
The ‘go-slow’ convoy made its way through Westminster for two hours to raise awareness about the hugely damaging crime, which claimed nearly £100m in stolen equipment in 2023 alone, with a tool theft reported every 12 minutes. According to a 2025 survey by “On The Tools” 75% of UK tradespeople have had their tools stolen.
It was high time for change, and those attending the London rally had a range of hard-hitting demands to help the industry fight back.
Rally against tool theft demands included:
· Increased funding for law enforcement, prioritising thefts from vehicles and theft OF vehicles
· Revising the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 to include all power tools
· Categorising tool theft as an aggravated offence
· Longer sentences for tool thieves
· Curbs on selling second-hand power tools at knock-down prices
· Stronger regulation around the sale of tools at car boot sales and markets
What effect does tool theft have on the victims?
When tool thieves strike, all you’ve worked for your whole life can be gone in minutes.
Your van, garage, property get broken into and damaged.
You lose your tools.
You lose thousands of pounds replacing them - a HUGE amount of money to find at short notice.
You suffer delays to your projects, or can’t work at all without your tools.
You can’t pay your bills, meet your mortgage payments, feed your family.
You lose your business.
You suffer mental health issues and feel suicidal. (Over a third of tradespeople suffered a major impact on their mental health after having their tools stolen, according to the “Tradespeople Against Tool Theft” white paper).
In short, when tool thieves strike, they take FAR more than tools. And the tradespeople rallying against tool theft feel the punishment thieves receive should reflect this.
Shoaib Awan, a gas fitter from Romford, founded the van rally organisers Trades United after thieves stole tools worth £8,500 out of his van. He says tool theft is a "plague that cripples businesses. The loss of work. The loss of earnings. Things have to change. The penalties and punishments have to be there."
So what is the government doing about tool theft?
The government has said it will work with police "to explore ways to tackle tool theft, ensure justice for victims, and punish criminals.”
Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, has tabled “The Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill”, which demands:
· Tougher sentences for tool theft
· That theft of tools be added to the list of examples considered to cause "significant additional harm" to victims
· Greater recognition of the entire financial impact of having tools stolen, including vehicle repairs and lost work
"When you add in the value of the work loss, the reputational damage, the damage to the vans as well, it can far exceed the value of the stolen tools," said Martin.
The Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill is scheduled for a second reading in April.
How can you protect yourself and your business against tool theft?
A policy package providing comprehensive cover for small and medium sized businesses, Kingsbridge Trades Insurance features Tools Cover as standard.
It covers the cost of replacing or repairing your tools that are lost, stolen, or damaged, whether they’re on-site, or in transit, and your claims will be paid out within 24 hours of approval.
Kingsbridge Trades Insurance also combines Public Liability insurance, Professional Indemnity, Employers’ Liability, and other forms of insurance into one affordable package. It gives you protection against many of the hazards you face in your working day, including claims made against you due to injury, loss or damage to property, or injuries to members of the public.
Our expert team is dedicated to helping protect contractors and businesses.
To find out more about Kingsbridge Trades Insurance, get a quote or contact us today.
