Talon said it will continue to step up the pressure and push for lasting change in the fight against van tool theft.
The second reading of the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill, which is designed to impose tougher penalties on tool thieves, is due on 4 July.
In February this year, Shoaib Awan, a gas engineer also known as The Gas Expert on social media, led hundreds of tradespeople in a van rally to Westminster. The goal was to force tool theft onto the national agenda. According to a statement, the protest made headlines and showed just how urgently the industry wants action.
Van Watch revealed that tradespeople are 13 times more likely to have their van broken into than their home and the average cost of stolen tools is over £2,200.60. This figure doesn’t account for the hidden cost of losing out on jobs or the impact on mental health, it noted.
Ahead of the second reading of the new bill, Shoaib, a victim of tool theft himself, said he is determined to keep the issue in the spotlight and not let it fall off the agenda. Since the Westminster rally, he’s been working directly with police forces, Trading Standards and MPs to keep up the pressure and get results. Shoaib stated that he wants mandatory minimum sentencing for offenders, a dedicated police task force to deal with tool theft and better regulation of second-hand sales.
Talon said it has stepped up to stand alongside the trade in calling for reform, sending a clear message that this is an issue affecting the whole industry.
Mike Morris, marketing manager at Talon, said: “Tool theft has a devastating impact on tradespeople every day. It’s not just lost tools, it’s lost work, lost income and huge stress. We feel it’s important to stand alongside the trade and support this campaign. Manufacturers like us have a responsibility to help push for real change.”
In the run-up to the bill’s next stage, Shoaib has urged everyone in the industry to stay active, whether that’s sharing personal stories online, contacting local MPs or reporting anything suspicious. Shoaib said solidarity matters most even if the worst does happen.
Shoaib added: “Support others in the community when theft happens. Whether it’s lending tools or helping raise awareness. We’re stronger together.”