HC Deb 16 May 1938 vol 336 cc35-6
75. Mr. McEntee

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the continually increasing number of thefts of workmen's tools from buildings in course of construction and from joiners' shops in the Metropolitan police area; and whether, in view of the few cases in which these tools are traced or a conviction of the thieves secured, he will issue special instructions to the police to make greater efforts to trace the disposal of stolen tools, some of which are held in pledge by pawnbrokers, and nearly all of which are stamped with their owner's name?

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

There are no available figures to show whether thefts of this kind are increasing, but the Commissioner—with whom my right hon. Friend has been in consultation—agrees that such thefts are not infrequent. The police are already alive to the matter and will continue to do what is possible in the way of prevention and detection.

Mr. McEntee

Is the Under-Secretary aware that the societies which provide workmen's tools have an increasing amount each year to pay, and that, in fact, every one of these tools is stamped with the owner's name, and, therefore, there ought to be no difficulty in tracing them? They are very rarely traced.

Mr. Lloyd

The police are giving close attention to this matter, and if the hon. Member will give us any information I will be glad to receive it.

Mr. Logan

Will the Under-Secretary draw attention to the fact that it is neglect on the part of these people to leave their tools hanging about and will he advise workmen to take care of their tools?

Mr. Macquisten

Would it not be better to put in front of their names "Stolen from." No one would take them in such circumstances. I do that with my umbrella.