Tradespeople Rally to Demand Government Action on Tool Theft

A RALLY in Westminster today is taking place to demand government action on tool theft.

The Trades United event is a renewed push for stronger legislation to protect tradespeople’s livelihoods and well-being.

Protesters are calling attention to the financial and emotional impact of tool theft on tradespeople. They want amendments to sentencing guidelines, stricter regulation of resale markets, and more robust enforcement measures when tool thieves are caught.

Research estimates that 78% of tradespeople have experienced tool theft, with 94% of stolen tools never recovered.

Shoaib Awan, founder of Trades United, said: “We need the government to come forward and support and protect hard-working tradespeople and their livelihoods by implementing the law which this country has in place when it comes to theft.”

Roofer’s Stolen Tools

Dennis Richardson from Maidstone Roofer works across the South East. The tools in his van were stolen in Dulwich, London. Dennis explained how he had parked his van in the daytime while taking a work break, only to return and find £3000 of tools were taken. He recounted: “We were out of sight for a couple of minutes at a coffee shop.

“Every single power tool had been stolen. I stay away from certain areas of London now. It’s restricted the jobs I want to take.”

“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.

Tool Theft Rally

The rally, which starts at Brent Cross at 11:00am and culminates at Parliament Square by noon, will see tradespeople protesting inadequate enforcement of theft laws.

Participants will form a ‘go-slow’ convoy to disrupt traffic and call attention to the urgent need for change.

An LED digital display van will also join the convoy. The mobile On The Tools banner, will highlight statistics showing the true scale and impact of the crime.

Lee Wilcox, CEO of On The Tools, said: “Tool theft is a crisis that affects not only tradespeople’s livelihoods but also their mental health and family stability. It’s an epidemic we can no longer ignore. On The Tools is proud to support this rally and provide practical ways for people to amplify their voices. Change is long overdue, and it’s time for the government to act decisively.”

Despite widespread concern and political attention, critical tools remain excluded from key legislation like the Equipment Theft Prevention Act 2023.

>> Read more about the tool theft rally in the news