The group that organised a major tool theft rally last year, which saw hundreds of installers flood the streets of Westminster, says it is planning another demonstration next month.
In June 2024, hundreds of tradespeople from across the UK, including many kitchen and bathroom installers, used their vans to gridlock the streets around Westminster, with the aim of bringing more attention to the issue of tool theft and its impact on tradespeople.
Now, Trades United, the group behind the demonstration, has announced it is planning another similar event, which is set to take place on February 3.
According to the group, participants will stage a “go slow” convoy starting in Brent Cross, and will drive through Westminster for two hours to raise awareness for tool theft and its consequences.
Trades United is demanding stricter enforcement for existing tool theft laws, which are frequently stolen for their financial value. Specifically, the group wants increased funding for law enforcement to tackle the issue, and for the legislation around tool theft to be updated so the crime will be considered an aggravated offence.
Organisers say that last year’s rally significantly raised awareness of the issue, and the Metropolitan Police have since initiated mass tool-marking events to deter thefts.
According to a Direct Line report published last year, 44,524 tool thefts were reported to the police in 2023 alone, which equates to an average of one incident every 12 minutes. Over half of incidents (55%) are tools stolen from vehicles, a figure up by 14% on 2022, and a similar percentage (56%) occur at night when the van is parked at residential homes or in car parks. As these statistics just cover reported crimes, the real figure is likely to be even higher.
Announcing the new rally, Trades United founder Shoaib Awan said: “On the 3 February 2025, I will bring tradespeople across the country together once again at Parliament Square, for the new Government to see the distress these thieves and car boot sales have caused to their livelihoods.
“Tool theft numbers are rising year on year and not enough from the Government has been done to protect the trades. A crime reference number is not acceptable. We don’t want policies that don’t work we need strict enforcement and a crackdown operation with immediate effect.
“It’s distressing how widespread tool theft has become, impacting not only livelihoods but also mental well-being and family stability. 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. It’s essential for communities, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies to work together to address this epidemic and provide support for those affected.”
Shoaib Awan also appeared on Season 12 of The kbbreview Podcast to discuss the issue of tool theft, where he discussed the personal impact the crime can have on the UK’s tradespeople.
