Veteran Tradesman Avoids Home Borough Over Tool Theft Epidemic
A veteran South London tradesman has revealed he no longer accepts work in his home borough of Croydon due to fears his tools will be stolen while on the job. John Drew, who has worked in plumbing, heating and refurbishments for fifty years, says tool theft has become a constant source of anxiety for tradespeople across the capital.
Croydon and Sutton Identified as Hotspots
Speaking at a trading estate in Sutton, John Drew told reporters: "I live in Croydon, but I would rather drive three hours that way than twenty minutes the other way." He singled out both Croydon and Sutton as particular hotspots for this type of crime, explaining that even outside his own home he feels unsafe. "I can't clean my van out. I would have to take it somewhere else," he added, highlighting the pervasive nature of the problem.
John has recent, distressing experience of tool theft. Approximately nine months ago, while working on a job in Clapham, he watched helplessly as thieves stole around £600 worth of his equipment. "They were just unloading the van backwards and forwards. I was watching them do it," he recalled. Working high up on scaffolding at the time, he was physically unable to intervene. He described the thieves as highly organised, with one person accessing the van while two others stood guard to prevent intervention.
The Devastating Impact on Lives and Livelihoods
The consequences of tool theft extend far beyond the immediate financial loss. John explained that such incidents can set jobs back by weeks, leading to dissatisfied customers and demands for discounts. Replacing tools accumulated over decades can take months, creating serious financial strain. The psychological toll is equally severe. John revealed the impact spreads into home life, placing pressure on marriages and mortgages. He even recounted hearing of a fellow tradesperson who took their own life following a devastating theft.
"It is not as straightforward as everyone thinks it is," John emphasised, describing the crime as having "catastrophic impacts" on those affected.
Liberal Democrats Launch Operation Ironclad
The comments came as the Liberal Democrats unveiled their new initiative, Operation Ironclad, aimed specifically at combating tool theft across London. Party leader Sir Ed Davey, speaking alongside John Drew and Sutton and Cheam MP Luke Taylor, condemned what he called a scandalous lack of police action.
Recent data uncovered by the Lib Dems reveals the staggering scale of the issue. Between 2019 and 2025, there were more than 57,000 reported cases of tool theft in London. Alarmingly, 99% of these cases were closed without a suspect being charged, and 93% without a suspect even being identified.
"It is nothing short of a scandal that 99% of these crimes go unpunished," stated Sir Ed Davey. He argued that gangs have been "allowed to operate with impunity" while political leaders "look the other way." The party is calling for the creation of a dedicated tool-theft specialist unit within the Metropolitan Police to coordinate intelligence citywide.
MP Highlights Mental Health Crisis and Resale Markets
Sutton and Cheam MP Luke Taylor highlighted the profound mental health impact on victims, which he learned about directly from constituents. He recalled meeting a gas fitter whose van had been stolen three times, noting the "crushing impact" it had on her wellbeing.
Mr Taylor also shed light on how stolen tools are quickly disposed of, often at car boot sales outside London in places like Epsom. "No one knows where they are at boot sales, they turn up, pay the entry and it's done," explained John Drew, noting the anonymity these events provide. Previous police and Trading Standards operations have successfully recovered "van loads of stolen tools" from such markets.
Operation Ironclad proposals include better cross-border police cooperation, tougher policing at high-risk resale events like boot fairs, mandatory anti-theft features for tradespeople's vehicles, and a return to accessible community policing.
Police Response and Statistics
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated they are "continuing to crack down on tool theft" through intelligence-led operations. They reported a 19% reduction in theft of tools from vehicles since April and highlighted a recent operation where they seized "the largest stash of stolen tools ever discovered in the UK."
Despite this, for veteran tradespeople like John Drew, who has dedicated half a century to his craft, the fear remains palpable, fundamentally altering where he feels safe enough to work and protect his livelihood.
