Over recent years, from time to time, I’ve been contacted by tradespeople in Chelmsford who have had their vans broken into and all their power tools and equipment stolen. It’s absolutely devastating for them, not only because of the financial loss but also the loss of income they face because their tools are so vital for their jobs.
Therefore, it was a huge pleasure to be a member of the Bill Committee at the start of February 2023 for the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill. The Bill makes provisions to prevent the theft and resale of equipment and tools used by tradespeople and agricultural and other business.
Initial measures will focus on quad bikes and ATVs. For example manufacturers will have to introduce forensic marking and immobilisers on new quad bikes and ATVs so they can only be started with a key or fob specific to that vehicle.
The Bill also gives ministers the powers to introduce similar powers to protect other pieces of equipment.
It was good the hear from the minister that, even before the Bill has fully passed into law, work as already started at looking at the best way to regulate for theft protection measures to be put on other expensive tools and equipment.
Thank you to Greg Smith MP for leading this private members bill which has unanimous support from all political parties.
