Tradespeople fight back against tool theft: Major London rally demands tougher punishment

In a show of unity and frustration, tradespeople from across the UK took to the streets in a major van rally organised by campaign group Trades United. Driving from Brent Cross to Parliament Square in central London, the convoy of vans moved at a ‘go-slow’ pace through Westminster for two hours, calling for urgent action against the growing scourge of tool theft.

With nearly £100m worth of tools stolen in 2023 alone – equating to one tool theft every 12 minutes – the impact on tradespeople has been devastating. A 2025 survey by On The Tools revealed that a staggering 75% of UK tradespeople have been victims of tool theft. The message from those attending the rally was clear: the penalties for thieves must be tougher, and stronger protections are needed for those who rely on their tools to make a living.

The key demands of the rally

To fight back against the relentless wave of thefts, those at the rally called for:

• Increased funding for law enforcement, prioritising thefts from vehicles and theft of vehicles.
• Revisions to the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 to ensure all power tools are covered under its protections.
• Tool theft to be categorised as an aggravated offence, recognising its severe impact on victims.
• Harsher sentences for tool thieves to act as a deterrent.
• Stronger restrictions on the resale of second-hand power tools, including curbs on car boot sales and online marketplaces.

These demands reflect the growing frustration among tradespeople who feel the current penalties fail to reflect the devastating impact of tool theft.

The real cost of tool theft

For many tradespeople, the theft of their tools is more than just an inconvenience – it’s a financial and emotional disaster.

When a van, garage, or site is broken into, the consequences are often severe:

• Immediate financial loss – tools worth thousands of pounds vanish in minutes.
• Disruption to work– without tools, jobs are delayed or even cancelled.
• Loss of income – many self-employed tradespeople find themselves unable to pay bills, mortgages, or support their families.
• Risk of business closure – some tradespeople never financially recover.
• Mental health impact – On The Tool’s report found that over a third of tradespeople suffer severe mental health issues following a theft, with some experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Gas fitter Shoaib Awan, founder of Trades United, started the campaign after suffering an £8,500 tool theft from his van. He described the crime as “a plague that cripples businesses,” adding:

“The loss of work. The loss of earnings. Things have to change. The penalties and punishments have to be there.”

What’s the government doing about tool theft?

The UK government has acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, stating that it will work with police to find solutions that ensure justice for victims and tougher consequences for criminals.

Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, has tabled the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill, which aims to:

• Increase sentences for tool theft, bringing penalties more in line with the financial and personal damage inflicted on victims.
• Ensure theft of tools is considered a crime that causes ‘significant additional harm’, making it easier for courts to impose harsher sentences.
• Recognise the full financial impact of tool theft, including vehicle damage, lost work, and reputational harm.

“When you add in the value of lost work, the damage to vans, and the reputational damage, the total cost far exceeds the value of the stolen tools,” said Martin.

The bill is scheduled for a second reading in April, and campaigners are hoping it will bring meaningful change.

How to protect yourself against tool theft

While campaigners fight for tougher penalties, tradespeople must also take steps to protect themselves from tool theft. One crucial way to safeguard your livelihood is through comprehensive insurance.

Kingsbridge Trades Insurance: protecting your tools and your business

Kingsbridge stands right by the UK’s tradespeople, wrapping all the Trades cover you need into a single neat, affordable package so you can continue to build your business with peace of mind. It covers all the key basics like Public Liability and Employer’s Liability, as well as offering optional covers like Hired In and Owned Plant, Contracts Works, and Professional Indemnity.

However, we’ve also added in a few extra market-leading perks you’ll struggle to find elsewhere:

✅ Tools and equipment cover as standard: unlike many insurers, Kingsbridge includes this at no extra cost.

✅ Nil excess on most professions: no sneaky fees and your full approved payout in your pocket.

✅ 24-Hour payout on accepted tool theft claims: we’ll get you back to business fast.

✅ in-house UK-based brokers and claims handlers: expert advice and tailored support when you need it most.

✅ Highly competitive pricing for comprehensive cover: maximum protection at an affordable price.

With tool theft on the rise, ensuring you have the right insurance is more important than ever.

Don’t let thieves put your business at risk. Get a quote today or call 01242 808740 to speak to a broker.