Speaking to kbbreview, Trades United founder Shoaib Awan says he believes cases of tool theft amongst tradespeople have declined significantly in the last 12 months, following high-profile media attention in recent years.
When asked about the ongoing situation during an interview for the upcoming bonus InstallerSHOW issue of kbbreview Magazine, Awan said: “Compared to what we used to see, [tool theft] has actually improved a lot. The numbers have definitely gone down compared to a couple of years ago – it still happens, but it’s not as bad as what it used to be.
“Raids on car boot sales have gone up, so I think the people that were selling them there aren’t doing that as much now. A lot of the boot sales have completely stopped selling power tools, actually. I’ve been to quite a few with the police, and we definitely don’t see it quite as much now, although there has definitely been a shift to them being sold online now.”
Last year, Awan spoke to kbbreview for 2025’s bonus InstallerSHOW issue, where he identified car boot sales as a key platform for those looking to sell stolen tools.
Discussing how the situation has improved over the last 12 months, Awan continued: “A lot of the boot sales have now brought in rules that say you can’t sell tools there. Since then, things have calmed down quite a lot, so it’s been really good to see that. The police have also been to a few cash converters as well, because that’s where a few of the stolen tools are also ending up.
“The topic’s got so hot, and it’s been discussed all over the TV and the media, the word’s got out so they’ve gone underground a bit.”
Awan has previously made headlines for organising mass van rallies in London to raise awareness for tool theft, which were so well attended that they gridlocked Westminster’s streets. He has also discussed the tool theft cause on several major news programmes in a bid to further raise awareness.
Reflecting on the progress he has made to raise awareness for tool theft, Awan explained: “I’m really glad to see things have improved and that people are taking it seriously. People are more educated towards getting proper security on their vans, which helps. We’re talking now about all different types of locks and how to mark your tools. For instance, Thames Valley Police have funded thousands of tool marking kits and they’re working with tradespeople to get their tools marked.
“In a way, it’s kind of gone on autopilot now, and the momentum is kind of sustaining itself on its own without me needing to shout about it now, which I didn’t ever really think would happen.”
You can read the full interview with Shoaib Awan in the bonus InstallerSHOW issue of kbbreview, which will be available exclusively at InstallerSHOW 2026 later this month.