Tool theft has become a serious and growing problem across the UK, hitting farmers tradespeople and builders hard. As I know from the theft of my old Land Rover Defender, being a victim hurts.
Tradespeople and farmers are the backbone of our economy and West Sussex community, and they and their tools help build our homes, maintain our infrastructure, and keep our food supply running. Protecting their tools means protecting jobs, families, and local businesses. So, it is essential we make sure those who work hard can do so without fear of losing the tools they depend on.
The Conservative plan to tackle this issue focuses on three key measures. First, tougher sentences and higher fines for those who steal tools. This sends a strong message that tool theft will not be tolerated and ensures that offenders face real consequences. Second, more police officers dedicated to stopping these crimes, giving law enforcement the resources and manpower needed to crack down on theft and protect hardworking professionals. Third, a crackdown on places where stolen tools are sold, particularly car boot sales, which have become hotspots for fencing stolen goods. By targeting these markets, the plan aims to disrupt the chain that allows thieves to profit.
In West Sussex, we’re fortunate to have strong local policing teams and a dedicated rural crime unit, but they need the full backing of government and the courts to ensure these crimes are treated with the seriousness they deserve. If you agree that it’s time to end tool theft, you can support the campaign by signing an online petition at endtooltheft.com. The message must be clear: stealing the tools of someone’s trade is not a petty offence — it’s an attack on their livelihood.
On Remembrance Sunday and on Armistice Day I joined veterans and residents paying tribute to the fallen. I was not able to join every community but managed to share the tributes in Arundel, Storrington and Midhurst whilst my wife represented me in Petworth. We will remember them.
