Lancing business backs #noVanber campaign to tackle '˜scourge' of tool theft from vans
Whitebox UK, based at the Lancing Business Park in Marlborough Road, is throwing its support behind the #noVanber campaign, which calls for harsher penalties for people convicted of stealing tradesmen’s tools.
Denyse Whillier, chief executive of Whitebox, said: “It’s something that all tradesmen are worried about.
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Hide Ad“They build up a collection of tools from when they first start out. That’s quite a significant investment for them.”
Falling victim to tool theft could have a ‘devastating’ impact on their livelihood, she said, adding: “It means they basically can’t work until they’ve replaced what has been lost.”
Richard Child, a senior engineer for the company, said at the time: “I have got no tools, no passport, I’ve had to cancel jobs. It’s stealing from somebody’s livelihood. They are not tools you can replace overnight.”
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Hide AdMs Whillier said the incident had brought the issue ‘closer to home’ and said Whitebox heard reports of tool theft ‘on a daily basis’
As part of the noVanber campaign, a petition has been launched calling for the government to investigate what more can be done to tackle van theft and tool theft.
Ms Whillier said: “The key thrust of the petition is around deterrent. The deterrent is so poor at the moment. The punishment doesn’t fit the crime.”
Mark Cropley, of Whitebox, added: “Thieves know that if they get caught all they will face is a theft from motor vehicle charge and a small fine.
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Hide Ad“They have to understand that stealing a livelihood is a much more serious offence and should carry with it commensurate penalties.”