The Band of Builders CEO has warned of workers “downing tools” and leaving their profession, as tool theft continues to spike in London.
Speaking to GB News, Gavin Crane highlighted how the charity had suffered vehicle damage, increased insurance premiums and loss of vehicle use during repairs.
He emphasised the severe financial impact of tool theft on tradespeople, with replacement costs running into thousands of pounds.
“Many self-employed workers don’t have insurance, and even those that do may struggle with claims because of the terms and conditions and clauses within the policies make it very difficult,” Crane said.
Gavin Crane said it is a ‘tough time to be a tradesperson’
PA / GB News
“Without tools, work grinds to a halt, leading to cancelled jobs, lost clients and obviously financial instability,” he added.
Tradespeople descended on Parliament Square on Monday, with protesters bringing a tank to demonstrate against tool theft.
The protest, arranged by Trades United and supported by On The Tools, saw a fleet of vans travel from Brent Cross in north London to Parliament.
Discussing the rise in tool theft on GB News, Crane highlighted the significant mental health impact of tool theft on workers in the industry.
Tradespeople descended on central London on Monday, bringing a tank to protest against tool thefts
PA
“We also need to consider the mental health and wellbeing implications of tool theft, the stress of financial loss, obviously the frustration, anxiety and depression,” he told GB News.
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He warned that repeated thefts can make tradespeople feel targeted and unsafe at work, and many have threatened to “leave the profession”.
“There’s not many occupations where you lay awake at night worrying about whether your tools that you need to do your job will be there in the morning,” Crane said.
He called for tougher sentences on vehicle thieves and restrictions on reselling stolen items at car boots and marketplaces.
Crane praised police presence at Monday’s rally but noted resource limitations, citing his charity’s recent case being closed without resolution.
Crane told GB News that the rise in theft it impacting tradespeople’s ‘mental health’
GB News
Crane concluded: “I joined the rally yesterday, and the police around Parliament Square were absolutely fantastic. We don’t blame the police at all, I think they’re short funded, they have very limited resources.
“But just talking from experience, in our case, where our van was broken into two months ago again, that’s now been closed.
“There’s no further evidence or information, and again, someone gets away with damaging property.”
The Government has said it would continue working with police “to explore ways to tackle tool theft, ensure justice for victims and punish criminals”.
