Dagenham And Rainham MP Secures Key Protections For Tool Theft Victims.

Margaret Mullane, the Member of Parliament for Dagenham and Rainham, has welcomed the announcement of new powers in Labour’s Sentencing Bill, which will incorporate the key policies outlined in Amanda Martin MPs Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill, which was co-sponsored by the Dagenham and Rainham MP.

 Margaret told the Havering Daily: “This is a victory for every tradesperson in my constituency, and millions more across working class Britain. Tool theft is a devastating crime which, until now, hasn’t had the recognition needed to deliver justice when people’s livelihoods are destroyed. The Labour government are determined to take strong action in support of tradespeople by punishing those responsible for tool theft. This is a prime example of Labour delivering for working people in areas like Dagenham and Rainham.”

 The new legislation will transform outcomes for tool theft victims through several key measures:

 • Enhanced Victim Protection: Courts will now be explicitly required to consider the full impact on victims when sentencing, including the emotional distress and loss of livelihood that tool theft causes. This reflects the total financial and personal loss to victims, not just the value of tools stolen.

 • Stronger Community Controls: New powers will enable probation services to impose restrictive licence conditions on offenders, including restriction zones that can keep prolific tool thieves away from construction sites, tool retailers, and areas where tradespeople work and store equipment. 

 • Tackling Prolific Offending: The expansion of Intensive Supervision Courts will target repeat offenders – crucial for tool theft where the same criminals often target multiple victims across wide geographical areas.

 • Robust Community Sentences: The Bill introduces tougher, more flexible community sentences with better-tailored interventions to address offending behaviour. This could include restrictions on freedoms such as driving, drinking in pubs, or attending sporting events. 

Margaret added: “Tool theft is job theft. When someone’s tools are stolen, they lose their ability to work, provide for their family, pay the bills, and can struggle to maintain good mental health. That is why I supported Amanda Martin’s Bill, why I welcome Labour’s announcement, and why I will always be a voice for tradespeople in Dagenham and Rainham.”

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