The CEO of a national construction charity, Band of Builders, is demanding the government gets tough on criminals who target tradespeople’s vehicles – often stealing thousands of pounds worth of tools and equipment – as it’s forcing small building businesses out of business because their insurance premiums are skyrocketing and they can’t afford to replace what has been stolen.
The call comes from Gavin Crane, the head of Band of Builders (BoB), after his van – which is clearly marked as a charity vehicle – was broken into for the second time this year at the weekend at Peterborough train station, directly under the gaze of CCTV cameras. The station houses an office for the British Transport Police.
Mr Crane – from the charity that completes practical projects to help members of the UK construction industry and their families who are battling illness or injury – has said “enough is enough” and is challenging the government and industry bodies to do more to crack down on the epidemic of theft and vandalism targeting tradespeople across the country.
“The UK construction industry can’t go on like this – it’s beyond crisis point,” he said.
“Tradespeople face this threat every day. Their vehicles and tools are their livelihoods, and when they are stolen, the impact is devastating – not just on them but also on the communities they serve.”
Mr Crane is calling for immediate and decisive action, including:
• Tougher penalties: Harsher consequences for those convicted of tool and vehicle theft.
• Improved security at public spaces: Enhanced CCTV, better lighting and a visible police presence at crime hotspots like train stations.
• A national task force: A dedicated body to address tradesperson-related theft, involving law enforcement, industry groups and local authorities.
• Support for victims: A national fund to help tradespeople and organisations recover quickly after theft.
• Public awareness campaigns: Highlighting the scale and impact of this issue to foster vigilance and support.
Mr Crane said: “Our van is more than just a vehicle – it’s a tool that enables us to deliver hope and help to those who need it most. To see it targeted – again – at a location with a police presence is both shocking and unacceptable.
“This isn’t just a crime against a van; it’s a crime against the people we’re here to help – those people from the construction industry and their families who are facing hardship and are desperate for help.
“Our latest project exemplifies this. It’s for a bricklayer in Leighton Buzzard who has been without heating or hot water for three years after his boiler was condemned at his home. He cannot afford to replace it, as he can no longer work because he has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).”
Band of Builders is urging the government, law enforcement agencies and key organisations to come together to develop a comprehensive strategy to address this growing crisis. The charity is also calling on the public to join the campaign and support efforts to protect the tradespeople who are the backbone of our communities.
Mr Crane finished by saying: “Enough is enough. Tradespeople keep our country running – they build our homes, repair our infrastructure and support our everyday lives. It’s time we gave them the protection they deserve.”
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