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Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill

On 15 June 2022, Greg Smith presented to Parliament the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill. The Bill’s Second reading debate took place on 2 December 2022 and the Committee stage occurred on 1 February 2023. Report stage is scheduled to take place on 3 March 2023.

Explanatory Notes (PDF) have been published by the Home Office.

This Private Member’s Bill is seeking to prevent the theft and resale of equipment and tools used by tradespeople and agricultural and other businesses, and for connected purposes.

Equipment and tool theft is a common issue in the UK. In rural areas, the theft of agricultural equipment including All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and quad bikes is a rising concern. The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society’s Rural Crime Report 2022 (PDF) highlighted the damage caused by such thefts, which it said cost their customers £2.2 million in 2021. Tool theft is also a concern for many tradespeople – the most common targets are those who store and transport equipment in vans. The theft of tools is an issue across trades, with roofers and electricians amongst those most likely to be victims of tool theft.

At present, a number of practical strategies, including the installation of tool safes and the marking of tools and equipment are suggested by industry stakeholders to prevent such thefts. Independent companies have also developed apps to record ownership of tools. This is designed to help report thefts and discourage the resale of stolen tools.  

During Second reading, the Government confirmed it would support Greg Smith’s Private Member’s Bill on the issue.

The Bill was widely supported at second reading and committee stage.