As I See It: Newark MP Robert Jenrick writes about dealing with tool theft issues

Local tradesmen are having their vans broken into and their tools stolen, only for them to be sold in plain sight at car boot sales, writes Newark MP Robert Jenrick.

After speaking to numerous local tradesmen, I’ve taken up the issue and it’s a national problem in urgent need of action.

I went undercover to two car boot sales and saw thousands of tools being sold openly, alongside other items that were almost certainly stolen. There was no sign of the police or council trading standards officers. It was so blatant that clearly no one felt any fear of getting caught.

This isn’t a minor crime, as some might say. Tool theft wrecks lives and livelihoods. I’ve heard of tradesmen even contemplating suicide when this devastating crime happens. Many think the police and courts aren’t interested. I want to change that.

I gave my evidence to the police and they went on to raid those car boots and make arrests. I’m now asking every police force in the country — including here in Nottinghamshire — to do the same.

Car boots are part of life and we all enjoy visiting them, but they must not be a safe harbour for vile criminals. If you see tools being sold at rock-bottom prices at local car boots, call the police and urge them to act.

I’m also campaigning to change the law so there are tougher sentences for thieves who break into vans and steal tools. This is a crime that involves the loss of a business and so should carry a stricter sentence than merely breaking into a vehicle.

I’m pushing the government to use legislation on crime going through Parliament at the moment to do this, and have the backing of national trades groups like On The Tools.

Unfortunately, the government are going in the opposite direction and trying to end prison sentences for theft and burglary.

They announced last week the effective end of prison sentences for crimes like this. I vehemently disagree. If you commit a serious crime, you should get properly punished, and that means jail time — not a tag.

That’s no deterrent to a career criminal or the organised crime gangs involved in tool theft. You may have seen me on the national media arguing for more people to go to jail, for longer, not less as Labour propose.

You shouldn’t have to, but do mark your tools, preferably with DNA technology that’s readily available and not that expensive — around £60 for a lot of tools.

I’ve seen the vast piles of tools the police are now recovering, and this is the best way to get yours back.

Tradespeople are amongst the most hardworking people. They deserve us to have their backs. I will keep campaigning to stamp out tool theft.