I am a tradesman working in North London. Over the past four years, my van has been broken into or attempted to be broken into five times. This constant threat has left me paranoid and unable to concentrate on my work.

Theft from tradesmen's vehicles is not an isolated issue; it is a widespread problem that affects many hardworking individuals across the country. According to a report by Simply Business, tool theft costs the trade industry £264 million each year in the UK (Simply Business, 2020). This figure does not only represent the monetary value of stolen tools but also includes lost working hours and increased insurance premiums.

Despite these staggering figures, current penalties do not seem sufficient to deter criminals. The law needs to reflect the severity of this crime and its impact on tradespeople’s livelihoods.

We are calling upon lawmakers to implement stricter penalties for those found guilty of stealing from tradesmen's vehicles. By doing so, we can protect our workers and ensure they can carry out their jobs without fear or distraction.

Please sign this petition if you believe in safeguarding our tradespeople against theft and ensuring justice is served appropriately.