Senator PJ Murphy

Senator PJ Murphy has said he will bring forward a private member’s bill next week to introduce tougher sentences by way of amendment of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offence) Act 2001.

The proposed bill will also include provisions ensuring that such sentences are not suspended or discounted.

Mr Murphy said the need for the new law was illustrated by the alleged theft last week of power tools worth up to €6,000 from a van in Stradbally, Co Laois, and the recovery by gardaí this week of €10,000 worth of stolen equipment, including tools, in North Cork.

“These crimes are a reminder that work-related theft isn’t confined to isolated cases,” he said.

“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.”

Mr Murphy added: “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.”

“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.