The Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament. The bill seeks to elevate tool theft from a Category Three to a Category Two offence, making for more severe sentencing in line with the crime’s growing impact on tradespeople and the economy.
If passed, the bill would enable the courts to issue tougher penalties to offenders, recognising tool theft as a serious offence with repercussions for victims; as featured in the November edition of Professional Security magazine.
Nigel Taylor, ASSA ABLOY Group Director and Head of Locksmiths UKI – Commercial Group, said: “Tool theft is not a victimless crime. It causes real financial and emotional harm to skilled workers across the UK who rely on their tools every day to earn a living. We welcome this bill as a vital first step in strengthening sentencing policy and showing offenders that tool theft will be treated with the seriousness it deserves.”
The bill, introduced by Labour MP Amanda Martin, has gained support from thousands of tradespeople nationwide. Besides the value of tools stolen, tradespeople suffer loss of earnings, and missed deadlines. The physical security product company Mul-T-Lock offers commercial vehicle and van security products MVP1000 and MVP2000 portfolio, designed to visually deter and protect against break-ins.
Nigel added: “Sentencing reform alone won’t solve tool theft, but it’s an essential part of a wider response. Tradespeople need to know the law is on their side – that if they take essential steps to protect themselves, there is a justice system ready to back them up. We will continue to support efforts and provide solutions that improve security on the ground and accountability in the courts.”
About the Bill
The Bill was debated in Westminster Hall in Parliament on June 11. For the Government, junior minister at the Ministry of Justice Sir Nicholas Dakin acknowledged what he called ‘growing public and parliamentary concern about tool theft’ and said that the Government is ‘addressing the issue with a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach that focuses on prevention and enforcement’.
