Gavin Crane, the head of Band of Builders (BoB), has called on the government to “get tough” on criminals who target tradespeople’s vehicles, forcing small building businesses out of business because their insurance premiums are skyrocketing and they can’t afford to replace what has been stolen.
He stated that his van, which is clearly marked as a charity vehicle, was broken into for the second time this year at Peterborough train station.
Gavin said: “The UK construction industry can’t go on like this – it’s beyond crisis point.
“Tradespeople face this threat every day. Their vehicles and tools are their livelihoods, and when they are stolen, the impact is devastating – not just on them but also on the communities they serve.
“Our van is more than just a vehicle, it’s a tool that enables us to deliver hope and help to those who need it most. To see it targeted, again, at a location with a police presence is both shocking and unacceptable.
“This isn’t just a crime against a van; it’s a crime against the people we’re here to help – those people from the construction industry and their families who are facing hardship and are desperate for help.
“Our latest project exemplifies this. It’s for a bricklayer in Leighton Buzzard who has been without heating or hot water for three years after his boiler was condemned at his home. He cannot afford to replace it, as he can no longer work because he has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
“Enough is enough. Tradespeople keep our country running – they build our homes, repair our infrastructure and support our everyday lives. It’s time we gave them the protection they deserve.”