Tradespeople in Southampton want to see harsher penalties for thieves who target tools - which can have a 'devastating impact'.

It comes as hundreds of tradespeople descended on London on Monday demanding that Government give thieves who steal tools harsher penalties.

The Traders United rally saw vans with slogans including “every tool stolen is a job lost” and “hands off our van” tooted horns as they drove through Parliament Square.

Tradespeople in Southampton have told the Echo that tool theft can have a severe impact.

Not only can it cost thousands to replace the tools, but they may not be able to work.

Kevin Rogers, the director of KR Carpentry and Construction in Southampton, had his van broken into four years ago, resulting in £7k in tools being lost. 

He said: "I have had a van robbed before it is soul destroying. 

"It is all the stuff you have had for a while, and it takes a while to recover.

"I agree there should be harsher penalties for tool theft."

Hampshire Police were appealing to find the owners of these tools, which are suspected to have been stolen, and were found in the back of a shopPolice were appealing to find the owners of these tools, which are suspected to have been stolen, and were found in the back of a shop in the city centre (Image: Southampton Police) READ MORE: Police appeal after suspected stolen tools found in back of city centre shop

Mark Lloyd, of Mark Lloyd Carpentry, has been operating in Southampton for more than 30 years. He said: "It is affecting people's livelihoods. 

"It is rough at the minute. Vans getting broken into left right and centre.

"If you don't have the cash to replace the tools you have to get the credit card out. It can be devastating. It has a knock on effect. People can't get to work and provide for their families."

READ MORE: Shoplifting rises in Southampton as thieving couple avoid jail

Tommy Lee of South Hampshire Builders is another  tradesman who has suffered from tool thieves when his van was broken into and a £700 chop saw was taken.

He said: "I think it is a nice idea, to put harsher penalties for stealing tools, but if the police can't catch anybody it doesn't matter what the penalty is going to be."

A series of reforms to sentencing guidelines have been proposed in the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill tabled by Labour MP Amanda Martin in December.

The Portsmouth North MP’s proposed reforms to the guidelines include adding theft of tools to the list of examples considered as causing “significant additional harm” to a victim, and better recognising the financial loss incurred when tools are stolen.