Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, attended a parliamentary event raising awareness about the campaign to tackle tool theft from work vans.
The event, hosted by Checkatrade and On The Tools supported The Theft of Tools of Trade Bill which seeks to impose harsher sentencing for tool thieves, to create a deterrent and protect tradespeople from these crimes. It also aims to better recognise the total financial impact of having tools stolen, such as repairs to a vehicle and loss of work and reputational damage.
It is estimated that one in ten tradespeople have their tools stolen every year.
Nusrat Ghani said: "Tool theft is a serious issue affecting tradespeople across Sussex Weald and the rest of the UK and it’s distressing how widespread this crime has become. The impact of tool theft is huge as it includes not only the value of the stolen tools, but also lost work and damage to vehicles. Tool theft can result in years of financial burdens as well as impact on mental health of our tradesmen and their families. I will always support those affected by this crime in Sussex Weald and I will continue following the progress of the Bill."
