Tool Theft – Trades To Go Rogue Before Parliament Is Prorogued

There will be a go-slow within Parliament until it is Prorogued and Monday 3 June 2024 will see a go-slow outside as furious tradespeople cause traffic chaos in a two-hour go-slow convoy to sound the alarm on the escalating tool theft and van break-in crisis.

Trades United is organising a van rally in Westminster (Parliament Square) to bring attention to the widespread issue of tool theft and the resale of stolen goods. It will begin at 11:0am and arrive in Parliament Square before midday.

The trades will gather for a go slow convoy demonstration, driving around the area for two hours. The goal is to highlight the need for stringent measures to deter the sale of stolen tools.

 

Join the revolt

Starting from NW London at Brent Cross, which is at the end of the M1 and accessible from the A1 and also on the direct route into Westminster, tradespeople from across the UK will descend upon Parliament Square to demand stricter enforcement of existing laws and greater accountability for venues that facilitate the resale of stolen tools at car boot sales and markets.

Tradesmen and women will captivate London with a van rally, urging the government to address the inadequate enforcement of laws that jeopardise thousands of livelihoods across the UK.

 

 

 

 

Fine the venues

Trades United is calling on the government to impose a £10,000 fine on event organisers of car boot sales and markets that permit the resale of stolen tools. By reducing the opportunities for thieves to offload stolen goods, Trades United and its supporters believe the frequency of vehicle break-ins and thefts will decrease significantly.

 

 

Petition

Shoaib Awan launched a petition (#659019) for the current government to address this issue. However, with Parliament closed for the election, this will automatically be closed. The current petition reached over 46,000 signatures. However, he still urges everyone to support the cause in a bid to get their voices heard and issues addressed by future MP's and their parties.

www.petition.parliament.uk/petitions/659019

 

Wild West

Shoaib Awan, says: "I want government to see the distress these thieves and boot sales have caused to livelihoods. Tool theft numbers are rising year on year and not enough has been done to protect the trades. A crime reference number is no longer acceptable. What are we heading towards a Wild West?

“This lawlessness needs to come to an end. We don’t want policies that don’t work we need strict enforcement and a crackdown operation with immediate effect. As tax paying and law-abiding citizens, we deserve better.

”The lack of effective intervention from law enforcement only exacerbates the problem. Businesses suffer not only from the loss of tools but also from the subsequent financial burdens such as increased insurance costs and repairs. And then of course there are the mental health issues – trying to recover whilst waiting for the next break in is disastrous.”

 

 

 

The Bald Builders

Sam from The Bald Builders says: "We are proud to announce that we will be attending the event on 3 June to stand in solidarity with every tradesperson across the UK in the fight against tool theft. This issue affects us all, as thieves target our vans daily, causing countless hardworking individuals to lose their livelihoods. Without our tools, we cannot work and when we cannot work, we cannot provide for our families. Imagine if you worked in an office, and your computer was stolen repeatedly—your ability to earn a living and support your family would vanish in an instant. This situation is unacceptable, and it must come to an end. Join us in demanding stronger measures to protect our essential tools and ensure a secure future for all tradespeople”.

 

 

Tottenham market

Tradesperson Lindsey Fowler says: “As a tradesman who has had his van broken into countless times over the past 20 years, including having my van stolen and never found, I can attest to the frustration and financial strain this crime causes. Every tradesman I know has faced similar violations. Despite taking every precaution, we find ourselves helpless against the increasingly violent tactics used by these criminals, who act with impunity, confident that there will be no consequences for their actions.

“After visiting a car boot sale in Tottenham a few months ago, I was alarmed by the vast amount of power tools on sale, many of which I strongly suspect are stolen. When I contacted Haringey Council, they told me the market is held on private land and therefore out of their jurisdiction. The local police acknowledged that the goods were likely stolen but claimed there was very little they could.

“It has become painfully clear to me that this crime is not being taken seriously; it is almost as if it is considered an occupational hazard.”

 

A friend in screed is a friend indeed

Joe of Second City Screed Ltd says: “I am proud to be attending the event on 3 June. If working hard all week to provide for your family wasn’t hard enough, there is now another obstacle to prevent us from earning money to survive. I firmly believe that cutting off the means for criminals to sell stolen goods is the only viable solution. If they cannot profit from their thefts, they will have no incentive to continue stealing, which in turn will reduce the burden on our police force. It’s a win-win scenario.”

 

 

The big market

Tools are stolen every 17 minutes in the UK. Stolen Tool trafficking is incredibly lucrative for petty criminals. Car boots and cash converters are the easiest no trail places to sell stolen tools.

 

Picture ©House of Commons: If you want to demonstrate your objections to tool theft being treated too lightly, get yourself along to Parliament Square on Monday 3 June or drive you van in convoy from Brent Cross at 11:00am to Westminster at 12:00pm – and then cause traffic chaos.

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
30th May 2024

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