Over A Hundred Traders Descend on Romford in Major Protest Against Tool Theft.

5th June 20265th June 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Protest, Rally, Tools, Traders, Trades United min read

More than 100 traders gathered yesterday in a powerful show of unity against tool theft, as Trades United organised a major van rally outside Romford Magistrates’ Court to coincide with the trial of two individuals charged with offences relating to stolen goods and the illegal supply of medicines.

The rally, organised by Trades United founder Shoaib Awan, saw a convoy of more than 100 vans make their way towards Romford, sounding their horns and displaying signs carrying messages such as “Stop Tool Theft”, “Tool Theft Destroys Lives” and “Give More Powers to the Police.”

The demonstration was held on the same day that James Maughn and Brigit Maughan appeared before Romford Magistrates’ Court. The pair had previously pleaded not guilty at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court to charges of handling stolen goods and selling, supplying, or offering to supply medicines outside of a registered pharmacy.

The charges stem from Metropolitan Police operations carried out at the Bonzer Boot Fare in Havering in May 2025 and Willow Farm Boot Sale in April 2025. During those operations, officers seized a significant quantity of suspected stolen tools, sparking concern among tradespeople who have long argued that stolen equipment is being openly resold, causing devastation to hardworking businesses and families.

For many traders, tool theft is far more than a property crime. The loss of tools can mean cancelled jobs, lost income, damaged reputations and days or even weeks without work. Many self-employed tradespeople rely entirely on their equipment to support their families, making the impact of theft both financially and emotionally devastating.

Trades United organised the rally not only to highlight the court case but also to shine a spotlight on what many in the industry describe as a growing epidemic of tool theft across the UK.

Speaking ahead of the event, Trades United founder Shoaib Awan 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.”

The message from traders was clear: tougher action is needed against those who steal tools and those involved in handling stolen goods. Protesters called for stronger powers for police, increased enforcement activity and harsher sentences for offenders.

The rally attracted significant support, including from MP Robert Jenrick, who joined traders in backing calls for tougher measures to tackle tool theft. Havering Council Leader Councillor Keith Prince was also present to lend his support to the campaign.

The atmosphere throughout the event was one of determination rather than anger, with traders from across London and the South East standing shoulder to shoulder to send a message that they have had enough of seeing livelihoods destroyed by criminals.

Many attending spoke of the daily anxiety they now face, with some spending thousands of pounds on additional security measures while others have experienced repeated thefts from vans and work sites.

Yesterday’s demonstration showed the strength of feeling within the trade community and highlighted the growing demand for action. While the court case continues through the justice system, traders say their campaign will continue until tool theft is treated with the seriousness they believe it deserves.

Credit was widely given to Shoaib Awan and the Trades United team, whose tireless campaigning has helped bring national attention to an issue that affects thousands of tradespeople across the country. For many who attended, the rally was about more than a single court case—it was about standing up for an industry that keeps Britain working.