In the end insurers and claims companies will all face higher costs on repairs, call outs and renovations unless the organised gangs currently stealing power tools and selling them via car boots, social media marketplaces and secondhand shops are jailed, and asset recovery orders issued.
Here’s the word on a protest at Romford coming up in June;
Trades United has announced it will organise a van rally outside Romford Magistrates Court on 4 June 2026 to coincide with the trial of two individuals charged with offences relating to stolen goods and the illegal supply of medicines.
The case involves two individuals both from Hackney. The pair were charged on 6 February 2026 with handling stolen goods and selling, supplying, or offering to supply medicines subject to general sale outside of a registered pharmacy.
The charges follow a Metropolitan Police operation conducted at the Bonzer Boot Fare in Havering in May 2025, as well as an earlier operation at Willow Farm boot fare in April 2025. During these operations, officers seized a significant quantity of stolen tools, highlighting ongoing concerns within the trades community regarding tool theft and illicit resale.
The defendants appeared before Barkingside Magistrates Court on Friday 20 February 2026, where they entered not guilty pleas to both charges. The case is now scheduled to proceed to trial at Romford Magistrates Court on 4 June 2026.
Trades United’s planned rally aims to bring public attention to the case and to the wider issue of tool theft, which continues to impact tradespeople, small businesses and large construction companies across the UK, delaying projects and impacting the wider infrastructure. The organisation is calling for stronger consequences for those found guilty of such offences, emphasising the financial and professional damage caused to hardworking individuals in the industry.
Shoaib Awan, founder of Trades United said:
“We are standing together as a community to shine a light on the serious issue of tool theft and illegal trading. These crimes have a real and lasting impact on tradespeople, many of whom rely on their tools to earn a living. This rally is about raising awareness and calling for meaningful deterrents.”
Tradespeople and supporters are encouraged to attend the van rally in solidarity and to help amplify the message that tool theft and illicit trade will not be tolerated.
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