Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what representations she has received on the availability of lock-picking equipment on the internet; and what assessment she has made of the effect of its availability on thefts from trades vehicles.

The Home Secretary has received representations about the availability of lock-picking equipment on the internet. We are not aware of any firm evidence linking the use of such equipment specifically to commit thefts from trades vehicles. The Home Office continues to work with the police, industry and others and will consider the evidence on what more can be done to prevent criminals committing vehicle related crime.