On 3rd February 2025 tradespeople from across the UK gathered in Parliament Square to protest against the rising epidemic of tool theft. Led by Shoaib Awan, an industry champion and Powered Now user, the demonstration aimed to raise awareness of the devastating impact of stolen tools on the livelihoods of hardworking professionals.
Shoaib, also known as "The Gas Expert," has been at the forefront of this movement, pushing for stricter laws and better protection for tradespeople.
At Powered Now, we were proud to stand alongside our customers at this crucial demonstration, supporting their call for change. Tool theft is not just an inconvenience—it’s a major financial and professional setback that can leave tradespeople unable to work, meet deadlines, or fulfill customer commitments. The growing frustration in the industry has led to increasing demands for stronger penalties for offenders and better preventative measures.
Why Tool Theft is a Huge Issue
Tool theft has become an all-too-common issue, with reports indicating that thousands of incidents occur every year. Powered Now user Stephen Bake lost £15,000 worth of tools when his van was broken into a year ago.
"It took them 22 seconds to get in to the van, four-and-a-half minutes to empty it," he said.
After losing his business because he was unable to work, Mr Baker said he tried to take his own life.
He said everything that he had ever worked for had been taken away in a matter of minutes.
"It's not just your tools that have gone missing, it's your career, your way of providing for family, it's everything. It's horrible", he says.
"I just felt worthless."
For many self-employed tradespeople, losing their tools means losing their income. Unlike larger companies that may have reserves to replace stolen gear, independent workers often have to pay out of pocket, delaying projects and harming their reputations. Despite these severe consequences, tool theft remains a low-priority crime, with many stolen tools never recovered.
Shoaib Awan: A Champion for Change
Shoaib Awan has been a leading voice in the fight against tool theft. As an experienced tradesman and Powered Now user, he understands the daily struggles of those in the industry. His efforts to bring attention to this issue have resonated with thousands, prompting more tradespeople to take action and demand better protection.
The demonstration he organised in Parliament Square was a powerful statement to the government, highlighting the need for urgent legal changes. Shoaib has been advocating for stricter punishments for thieves, increased policing of trade tool crime, and better support for victims.
Powered Now Stands with Tradespeople
At Powered Now, we are committed to supporting our customers beyond just providing industry-leading job management software. We were there at the demonstration, standing with Shoaib and our customers, because we believe in the importance of protecting the livelihoods of tradespeople. Our platform is designed to help manage business operations efficiently, but without tools, even the best management system can't help someone get back to work.
Stephen Baker, another Powered Now user and a respected professional in the industry, also attended the protest, reinforcing the need for greater security measures for trade professionals. Stories like his and Shoaib’s are what motivate us to continue advocating for better protections for tradespeople.
Steps to Protect Your Tools
While the fight for better legislation continues, there are proactive steps that tradespeople can take to reduce the risk of theft:
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Secure Storage: Invest in high-quality lockboxes and vehicle security systems.
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Tool Marking & Tracking: Engraving tools with identifiable marks such as SelectaDNA (a Powered Now partner) and using GPS tracking devices can deter thieves and aid in recovery.
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Detailed Inventory Management: Keeping records of tool serial numbers and purchase details can assist in claims and police reports.
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Insurance Coverage: Ensure your tools are insured against theft to minimize financial loss.
Powered Now’s software can also help professionals keep track of their assets, ensuring they have accurate records in case of theft.
The Road Ahead
The Parliament Square protest was an important step in raising awareness, but the fight isn’t over. Shoaib Awan and thousands of other trade professionals will continue to push for changes that protect their businesses. Powered Now remains dedicated to supporting this movement, standing side by side with our customers to make a real difference.
If you’re a tradesperson who has been affected by tool theft, we encourage you to speak up, get involved, and join the movement. Let’s work together to create a safer and more secure industry for all.
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