Get Tougher on Van Thieves says Charity

GET TOUGHER on van thieves who target tradespeople’s vehicles is the message to government from the CEO of a national construction charity.

The call comes from Gavin Crane, the head of Band of Builders (BoB), after his van – which is clearly marked as a charity vehicle – was broken into for the second time this year.

The van was parked at Peterborough train station at the weekend, directly under the gaze of CCTV cameras. The station houses an office for the British Transport Police.

Gavin Crane – from the charity that completes practical projects to help UK construction industry workers and their families who are battling illness or injury – has said “enough is enough”. He is challenging the government and industry bodies to do more to crack down on the epidemic of theft and vandalism targeting tradespeople across the country.

Get Tougher on Van Thieves

Van thieves often steal thousands of pounds worth of tools and equipment. It can force small building firms out of business because their insurance premiums are skyrocketing and they can’t afford to replace what has been stolen.

“The UK construction industry can’t go on like this – it’s beyond crisis point,” Gavin Crane said.

“Tradespeople face this threat every day. Their vehicles and tools are their livelihoods, and when they are stolen, the impact is devastating – not just on them but also on the communities they serve.”

Van Theft Action

Gavin is calling for immediate and decisive action, including:

• Tougher penalties: Harsher consequences for those convicted of tool and vehicle theft.
• Improved security at public spaces: Enhanced CCTV, better lighting and a visible police presence at crime hotspots like train stations.
• A national task force: A dedicated body to address tradesperson-related theft, involving law enforcement, industry groups and local authorities.
• Support for victims: A national fund to help tradespeople and organisations recover quickly after theft.
• Public awareness campaigns: Highlighting the scale and impact of this issue to foster vigilance and support.

Gavin said: “Our van is more than just a vehicle – it’s a tool that enables us to deliver hope and help to those who need it most. To see it targeted – again – at a location with a police presence is both shocking and unacceptable.

“This isn’t just a crime against a van; it’s a crime against the people we’re here to help – those people from the construction industry and their families who are facing hardship and are desperate for help.

“Our latest project exemplifies this. It’s for a bricklayer in Leighton Buzzard who has been without heating or hot water for three years after his boiler was condemned at his home. He cannot afford to replace it, as he can no longer work because he has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).”

Band of Builders is urging the government, law enforcement agencies and key organisations to come together to develop a comprehensive strategy to address this growing crisis. The charity is also calling on the public to join the campaign and support efforts to protect the tradespeople who are the backbone of our communities.

Gavin finished by saying: “Enough is enough. Tradespeople keep our country running – they build our homes, repair our infrastructure and support our everyday lives. It’s time we gave them the protection they deserve.”

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