The UK government acknowledges the significant impact of tool theft on tradespeople and the broader community. The financial burden and disruption caused when essential tools are stolen is a serious concern. While there are no plans to ban the sale of used power tools at car boot sales, the government is actively implementing measures to combat this issue.
Combating Tool Theft: A Multi-pronged Approach
The government is tackling tool theft through a combination of legislation, enforcement, and preventative measures. A key piece of legislation, the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023, mandates the marking and registration of certain types of equipment before their initial sale. This includes equipment used in agriculture, construction, and other commercial sectors.
Current discussions are focused on extending this Act to encompass power tools commonly used by tradespeople. This would involve implementing forensic marking to deter theft and facilitate the recovery of stolen tools. A recent Call for Evidence, which concluded in July 2023, gathered input from stakeholders including manufacturers, retailers, law enforcement, and tradespeople themselves. The government’s response to this consultation will be published soon.
Enhancing Security and Traceability
Beyond legislation, the government is working to make it more difficult for criminals to profit from stolen tools. This involves promoting measures like property marking, registration, and traceability. Encouraging due diligence checks by second-hand traders and increasing police enforcement are also crucial steps.
Collaboration with the police-led National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) and Combined Industries Theft Solutions is ongoing to explore innovative ways to prevent tool theft from tradespeople’s vans. The NBCC and Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Secured by Design) offer valuable crime prevention guidance for tradespeople, available at: https://nbcc.police.uk/crime-prevention/crime-prevention-guides and https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/vehicle-crime/vans-tool-theft. These resources offer practical advice on securing vans and tools.
Improving Van Security
Recognizing that tradespeople’s vans are frequently targeted, the government is working with partners to enhance van security. Thatcham Research, in collaboration with the Home Office and National Vehicle Crime Working Group, has agreed to incorporate assessments of van rear locks, alarms, and load area motion sensors into their New Vehicle Security Assessment (NVSA).
Furthermore, a national network of vehicle crime specialists, encompassing every police force in England and Wales, has been established. This network facilitates information sharing on emerging trends in vehicle crime and enables a more effective response to regional issues. These combined efforts aim to create a more secure environment for tradespeople and reduce the incidence of tool theft. The government’s commitment to tackling this issue underscores its dedication to supporting tradespeople and ensuring their livelihoods are protected.
