'Thieves cleaned me out of high-value tools'

Tradesmen have called for tougher penalties for thieves who steal their tools and stop them earning a living.

Mike Thorpe from Stockport, whose van was "cleaned out" of high-value equipment while on a job in the south of England, said it was a common problem that had left many small businesses "high and dry".

His comments followed a protest held in Westminster to highlight the issue and call for tougher measures to stop equipment being resold.

A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesperson said the force understood the effects of the thefts on victims, adding officers were "determined" to bring offenders to justice.

The government had advised GMP it would "continue to work with police and stakeholders to explore ways to tackle tool theft, ensure justice for victims and punish criminals", the police spokesperson added.

Mr Thorpe, who works installing signs and graphics, told BBC Radio Manchester that he had parked in a secure hotel at a car park on a job in the south of England.

"Someone emptied out all the tools overnight, and we were gutted because we couldn't finish the job and it costs us thousands," he said.

He has backed calls made at the recent protest for tougher penalties against thieves.

Jake Roberts, from Trafford, said he had lost £12,000 of tools after his van was stole twice in the last two years, leaving him "angry and gutted".

"There so many safety features you can put on vans now but criminals always find a way around it to still get in, get your tools, and if they can't do that, they'll take the full van," he said.

Meanwhile Chris Wainwright, a joiner based in Bury who has been targeted by thieves three times in last five years, said he was constantly in fear of it happening again.

"I'm still having nightmares. It's not just financial devastation but mental torture," he said

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We understand the impact tool theft has on victims who rely on them to earn a living. 

"We continue to work with police and stakeholders to explore ways to tackle tool theft, ensure justice for victims and punish criminals."

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