On The Tools is supporting Trades United’s upcoming van rally in Westminster today (3 February) to demand decisive government action against tool theft.
The rally started at Brent Cross at 11:00 AM and was to culminate at Parliament Square by noon. According to the statement, participants will stage a ‘go-slow’ convoy to disrupt traffic and call attention to the urgent need for change.
An LED digital display van with a mobile banner, sponsored by On The Tools, joined the rally, to highlight tool theft statistics uncovered in a latest white paper.
The event is highlighting a renewed push for stronger legislation to protect tradespeople’s livelihoods and well-being.
In 2022, On The Tools published the Tradespeople Against Tool Theft White Paper which found that 78% of tradespeople had experienced tool theft, with 94% of stolen tools never recovered.
Julie Fisher, CEO of Simply Business, revealed that self-employed tradespeople were hammered by over £193m of tool theft in 2024.
Julie said: “To meet the government’s ambitious housing targets, we need skilled tradespeople. Protecting them from tool theft is vital for their livelihoods, and to achieve these growth goals. Last year alone, we estimate that tool theft cost self-employed tradespeople over £193m. It comes as no surprise that 83% of tradespeople are concerned about this rising threat, driving thousands to demonstrate outside Westminster today to demand government action. The trade community is demanding a comprehensive 360 approach to tackle this problem: more frontline policing to deter criminals (49%), tougher sentences for those convicted (50%), and fines for online marketplaces that don’t regulate second-hand tool sales (41%).
“We insure over 200,000 tradespeople, and know how distressing tool theft can be – from financial loss, to work disruption – not to mention the feeling of violation that comes with any theft. We urge the government to hear the trade community’s concerns and respond.”