New Year tool thefts nails down need for new law – Murphy

There is an urgent need for a change in the law regarding tool thefts following more robberies of tools nationwide, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Last week power tools valued at up to €6,000 were stolen from a van in Stradbally, Co Laois.

And this week, Gardaí recovered €10,000 worth of stolen equipment including tools in North Cork.

Senator PJ Murphy said this issue must be tackled by Government in 2026.

The Fine Gael Senator confirmed he intends to introduce the reforming legislation to the Oireachtas when it returns next week.

The bill has received significant support from electricians, plumbers, carpenters, other tradespeople, small businesses and his Fine Gael colleagues.

“These crimes are a reminder that work-related theft isn’t confined to isolated cases. For tradespeople, sole traders and small-business owners, the theft of tools is a devastating blow to their ability to earn a living.

“My proposed new law is aimed at directly tackling the theft of trade tools and equipment from workers and small businesses. Let’s drill into this now and nail it down,” Senator Murphy said.

Senator Murphy’s new bill (see attached) seeks to amend the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offence) Act 2001 to introduce mandatory minimum custodial sentences of three years, where thefts involve work equipment and directly impact someone’s livelihood.

“Tradespeople, builders, electricians and small businesses already operate on tight margins. When a tool van is targeted, and thousands of euro worth of equipment are taken it shuts down their work. They can’t turn up to a job,” he said.

The proposed legislation would also place limits on sentence suspension ensuring that courts can’t routinely overturn the intent of the law by issuing nominal or suspended punishments.

Senator Murphy said the amendment is extremely important to the livelihoods of tradespeople.

“People who target someone’s livelihood are not committing a victimless crime – they’re stealing incomes, stability and peace of mind for people around the country who are trying to get a day’s work done,” he said.

See video here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1242425064611429