Giant sculpture made from stolen tools to visit Northampton amid theft warning
A giant sculpture made entirely from recycled tools is set to visit Northampton as part of a nationwide campaign raising awareness of tool theft.
The 2.4m-tall artwork, named Anguish, has been commissioned by home improvement retailer Wickes and created by recycling artist Ptolemy Elrington using reclaimed power tools and spanners.
The sculpture symbolises the emotional and financial impact tool theft is having on tradespeople across the UK and will be displayed at Wickes Northampton on June 9.
As part of the event, visitors will also be able to take part in a theft prevention community day, featuring live demonstrations and free SmartWater forensic marking kits designed to help protect tools from thieves.
The invisible marking liquid glows under UV light, is difficult to remove and comes with warning labels intended to deter criminals.
Research commissioned by Wickes found that more than a third of UK tradespeople have experienced tool theft, while almost all stolen tools were never recovered.
The figures also showed the average loss per victim exceeds £2,500, with most tradespeople forced to replace equipment using their own savings.
One in five said the experience caused ongoing stress and anxiety, while 12 percent reported being unable to work following a theft.
The campaign comes as Parliament considers the Theft of Tools of Trade Sentencing Bill, which proposes tougher penalties for offenders.