NAPIT has welcomed plans calling for changes to the law so that tool thieves face tougher sentences reflecting the full impact of their crimes.
Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, and the sister of an electrician, has tabled the Tools of Trade Theft (Sentencing) Bill, which will have its second reading in Parliament on 25 April.
She is calling for changes so that theft of tools is classed as causing “significant additional harm” and sentencing should factor in total financial losses – not just the value of stolen tools but also repair costs and lost work.
This would mean tougher sentences of between six months and two years in prison instead of a community order, reflecting the impact of the offences.
The campaign was launched at an event in the House of Commons in front of tradespeople and MPs, including Mansfield MP Steve Yemm whose constituency includes the NAPIT head office.
They heard first-hand about the impact tool theft has on individuals, business and families. Theft of tools happens every 22 seconds in the UK and it can take a few minutes to empty vans or premises of thousands of pounds worth of essential equipment.
NAPIT Managing Director, Frank Bertie, says, “We are pleased to add our support to this very important initiative and thank Amanda for raising the profile of tool theft which impacts far too many people.
“It is not just the financial loss that hits tradespeople hard, but the impact it has on businesses, family members and the mental health of those worried about how they will work without their tools.
“People may buy tools at car boot sales or down the pub but they need to be aware of the impact tool theft has on others, and if this Bill is adopted it could provide a real deterrent to those stealing tools.”
Amanda Martin is urging tradespeople to contact their local MP about the issue and sign her petition at Labour Surveys ahead of the next reading of the Bill.
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