House of Commons · Westminster Hall
11 June 2025 · 12 other contributors · 4,305 words
Opened by Amanda Martin Lab Portsmouth North
Responding minister: Sir Nicholas Dakin
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Amanda Martin raised concerns about theft of tools of trade in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Calls for harsher sentencing and increased police presence on the streets to tackle tool theft from tradespeople's vans and workplaces.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Over recent years, there has been a surge in thefts from tradespeople with an average cost of almost £3,000 per incident. In addition to financial losses, victims face reputational harm and a decline in mental health, with more than 40% reporting significant damage to their business standing.
The hon. Member highlights the extent of tool theft in Northern Ireland, suggesting that best practices from other parts of the UK should be adopted and that the Minister reaches out to his counterparts in Northern Ireland.
Raises a harrowing case from his constituent who lost over £10,000-worth of tools in three separate break-ins leading to business closure and mental health impacts. Supports the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill.
Complements Amanda Martin's work and mentions his private Member’s Bill, the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023, which requires statutory instruments to be passed on agricultural theft and tool theft from builders' vans.
Agrees that tool theft is a critical issue with significant economic impacts, noting that in Northern Ireland alone it costs £1.5 million annually.
Thanks Amanda Martin for securing the debate and highlights increased GPS theft from tractors by 137% between 2023 and 2024, linking it to organised crime.
Pays tribute to Amanda Martin's campaigning efforts on the issue of tool theft and expresses concern that fear of such theft is deterring tradespeople from putting their business livery on vans.
Supports the proposal for sentencing changes that apply to tools of any trade, including GPS on tractors and beauty industry equipment.
Highlights the multiple costs faced by victims of tool theft including repair costs, replacement tools cost, loss in earnings, insurance premiums, and reputational damage.
Recognises the growing concern about tool theft, noting that it affects small businesses and tradespeople across constituencies. Supports Helen Hayes's campaign to tackle this type of crime effectively.
Expresses support for the campaign against tool theft, highlighting its impact on local communities and the economy. Advocates for visible and effective punishments for such crimes.
Supports the idea of a two-pronged approach involving more police on the beat and significantly harsher sentencing to address rural crime.
Reaffirms the seriousness with which the Government views tool theft, emphasizing the need for prevention through intelligence-led operations and enforcement measures including sentencing guidelines that reflect the severity of such crimes.
Government Response
Sir Nicholas DakinThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice
Pays tribute to Lord Justice William Davis, former chairman of the Sentencing Council, and expresses condolences. No specific mention of tool theft sentencing guidelines reform. Reaffirms the Government’s commitment to tackling tool theft, recognising its impact on small businesses and tradespeople. The sentencing review has been completed, and legislation will be brought forward to implement important reforms. Tool theft is a serious crime that will not be tolerated, with robust action planned to prevent these offences and hold perpetrators accountable.