Stolen tools - Readers sound off - Letter to the Editor

Tools of the Trade, Jan-Feb, 2003 by Dave Halter

As a 20-year general contractor I thought your editorial [about stolen tools] (November/ December 2002) hit the problem on the head--almost. There is another side of the problem that has to be addressed. After all these years, I am firmly convinced that most of the tool theft is done by tradesmen on the job.

We are the market for those stolen tools. When we stop buying tools from people we do not know or who offer us such a bargain or from somebody's brother who is going out of business and wants to get rid of his tools, the market will dry up. I have had many chances to buy such tools and if I can I call 911 and have an officer check out the seller. I have also fired a worker who bought tools from an obvious thief. The tradesman who loses all the tools from his truck and then buys cut-rate tools just to get back working has created the market. When the market dries up we will lose a lot less tools.

Dave Halter
Epsilon Construction Co.
Rochester, N.Y.