A Southport councillor is calling for a targeted anti-tool theft strategy to target the “growing problem of tool theft from work vehicles and building sites”.
Cllr Mike Sammon wants Sefton Council to work with Merseyside Police and Sefton Trading Standards to create an anti-tool theft strategy.
This would include starting hotspot patrols, introducing rapid-response protocols and hosting regular council supported tool-marking events.
He will seek backing for his ideas at the full Sefton Council meeting at Bootle Town Hall on Thursday (11th September 2025).
Cllr Mike Sammon said: “Tool theft from work vehicles and building sites is a growing problem, costing an estimated £40 million in 2024, with average losses of £4,470 per incident and recovery rates of just 1%.
“83% of tradespeople have experienced tool theft; many are unable to work until they replace their tools.
“A Freedom of Information request to Merseyside Police for Sefton-specific figures was refused due to cost, but local reports point to repeated van break-ins.
“Tool theft is not a minor offence, it removes a person’s ability to earn a living and causes lasting financial and emotional harm.
“Sefton should take a leading role in protecting local tradespeople.
“Reducing tool theft will also protect Sefton’s wider economy by preventing delays, cancellations, and extra costs for residents and businesses.”
After a visit to a trade day at CEF Southport where Merseyside Police held a tool marking stall, he added: “As a tradesperson myself, this issue means a lot to me. Tool theft not only leaves victims with the cost of replacing equipment, it also robs them of their ability to earn a living. I will keep pushing for more action from councils and government to back up the work already being done by Merseyside Police to tackle tool theft.”
He is asking Sefton Council to back his campaign and resolve to:
1. Partnership with Police & Trading Standards Work with Merseyside Police, the PCC and Trading Standards on a targeted anti-tool theft strategy; including hotspot patrols, rapid-response protocols and regular Council supported tool-marking events. Write formally to the PCC requesting urgent action, data sharing and prevention campaigns.
2. Prevention & Support for Tradespeople Develop a public awareness campaign on tool security and the risks of buying stolen goods. Investigate funding options to help tradespeople afford upgraded locks, tool vaults and forensic marking kits.
3. National Advocacy Write to Sefton’s MPs to lobby the Government to:
– Support the Theft of Tools from Tradespeople (Sentencing) Bill and related reforms so sentencing reflects the serious impact on livelihoods.
– Regulate second-hand markets (including online sales) to block resale of stolen tools.
– Establish a national tool serial number register.
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