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Fighting Back Against Tool Theft & Saving Mental Health – With Stephen Baker & Frankie Williams
Manage episode 489028862 series 3545917
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In this powerful and emotional episode, Pete and Keiran sit down with Frankie Williams, the founder of Stolen Tools UK, and tradesman Stephen Baker to unpack the devastating impact of tool theft on UK tradespeople—and the growing movement to fight back.
Frankie shares how being a victim of theft in 2022 led him to start a small awareness page that quickly exploded into a national campaign. From tool marches and Parliament meetings to exposing illegal boot sale activity and pushing for industry reform, he outlines how the stolen tools movement has gained momentum and helped thousands of tradespeople feel less alone.
Stephen shares his deeply personal story of having his tools stolen while going through a tough personal patch, how the experience triggered a spiral into debt and poor mental health, and how he ultimately found hope through community support and help from Fix Radio.
Key topics include:
🔧 How tool theft destroys livelihoods—and lives
📉 The emotional & financial toll beyond losing your kit
📲 The role of social media in building awareness & support
🏛️ Behind the scenes of Parliament meetings and national policy pushes
👷 How big brands, the Met Police & events like InstallerSHOW are joining the fight
🧠 Mental health in the trades & the power of community-driven change
📚 Why educating young apprentices and colleges is key to prevention
🔍 Boot sale raids, bait van talk & stopping the stolen tool supply chain
Whether you’ve been a victim yourself, want to protect your gear, or just believe in backing your fellow tradespeople—this episode is a rally cry for awareness, support, and real change in the industry.
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⚠️ Warning: Contains adult humour and strong language. Tradesmen banter ahead.
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