Traders fear for livelihoods after spate of tool thefts in Poole
ITV News Meridian reporter Chlöe Oliver has been speaking to tradespeople who've been victims of tool thefts.
A series of van thefts in Dorset has left traders thousands of pounds out of pocket.
Eight vans were targeted in Poole during just one evening last month. Dale Senior from Poole is among those affected, he has lost £15,000 of equipment.
It means facing the cost of losing his van and his ability to work as an engineer. Until he can get a replacement vehicle, he is having to get around by e-scooter.
Dale Senior said: "They don’t understand that you have a schedule every day, and the impact it has on your bills and everything, it's your livelihood."
Andrew White, who also lives in Poole, went out to his work van last week to find the windows smashed and holes drilled into the side of the vehicle.
His wife Catherine told ITV News Meridian it is shocking how much damage was caused to the van and the knock-on effect on his work.
She said:"He’s extremely stressed, he’s now got to build up all the tools again.
"It’s affecting his day-to-day work, and has to replace all of his tools."
Window fitter Brett Giles has fallen victim to tool thieves, costing him not only thousands of pounds but his method of work too.
Brett Giles said: "For all of them, we’re probably talking up to £4,000, or a lot more.
"They’re not cheap to buy, and they’ve taken absolutely everything. It’s not just a victimless crime, it ruins people’s lives, takes away their livelihood and leaves them bewildered as to how they’re going to continue with their lives."
Figures from Direct Line released earlier this month show 62% of tradespeople had tools stolen from their vans.
Over a third (34%) have been a repeated victim more than once. With an estimated £66m worth of tools stolen in 2022.
Police have warned tradesmen and women to remove all tools from their vans at night when they are at particular risk.
Det Supt Steve May, of Dorset Police, said: “We fully understand that tool thefts are extremely frustrating for victims and have a serious and significant impact on the livelihoods of those affected.
“We will consider all proportionate and available lines of enquiry in order to investigate reported incidents and locate stolen tools.
“As well as investigating reports where there are viable lines of enquiry, we will continue to monitor for patterns of offending and where we see an increase in reports in a particular area, local officers will respond with carrying out increased patrols and reassurance visits in the vicinity.
"They will also be looking for any opportunity to identify individuals involved through enquiries such as CCTV checks and house-to-house visits.
“We will also proactively target known offenders who commit this type of crime using various means, including intelligence, to prosecute where possible."
Dorset Police added: “We have been focussing on hotspots for vehicle crime, where we have worked with local partner agencies to improve deterrents, identify and arrest repeat offenders and ensure detailed evidence of offending behaviour is put before the courts, so that they can be dealt with appropriately.
"If you have to leave tools in a van overnight, it's a good idea to mark them clearly with your name/company name and address using a property marking system.
"Items that are clearly marked are less desirable and more difficult to sell on.
“We would encourage anyone who has had their tools stolen, or has witnessed any suspicious activity, please contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or call 101. If a crime is in progress or life in danger, always dial 999."
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