He put some tough questions to the head of tool theft for the national business crime centre, Paul Fagg and gave his thoughts on what needs to be done.

Fagg said: “It’s certainly not secret that the police are up against different set of priorities and a lot of them are safeguarding stuff, domestic abuse, gangs etc, which when you look at on the list there are quite high on the agenda.

“However, tool theft continues to be an issue and I learnt last week that tool that is fourth on the list and what that means is that police will prioritise crime groups. The fact that tool theft is fourth on the priority list in the UK, it is evidence that the police are taking this seriously.

“The difficulty with crime figures and the frustration that comes with is understandable from tradespeople. The challenge is that most of the theft happens either as a burglary or break-in to a van with tools. And evidentially, it’s really difficult to track that down and which is why we are pushing for an Act that will forensic marking and a unique ID code on most tools.”

A caller to the show Meter Man Dan said: “Tool and van theft prevention must start with the manufacturers of the vans. How many videos do you see online of people breaking into vans with just a stern look and they pop open. Seconds and your livelihood could be turned upside down. Manufacturers must do more, especially when we’re paying a fortune for these vehicles to begin with.”

Tony from TCBuilding, added: “I have first hand experience with vehicle break in for tools, different types of vehicles. I have spent a small fortune on additional van security. Why can’t the vehicle manufacturers make them difficult to get into.
Fit the locks - bolts and steel plates in the factory. All break-in video tutorials are available on the Internet. Why can’t the vehicle designers and manufacturers take on board the customers problems. I for one would rather an ugly (difficult to break in van ) over one with loads of electronics, Bluetooth and wizardry any day.”

And Leon said: “My company van has been broken into four times in two years in the London area, once in a service yard, whilst on a job security did nothing. Second, in a public car park. Third, on-site at Screwfix while collecting materials and fourth, outside in B&Q while also collecting materials. I simply can't see an end to this.”

For the full show, listen here.