Tools have been reported stolen in the midlands and nationally.
A Fine Gael Senator is calling for urgent legal reform following a spate of tool thefts.
Among the incidents, includes €6,000 worth of tools stolen from a van in Laois and €10,000 recovered in Co Cork.
Senator PJ Murphy plans to introduce legislation to the Oireachtas next week proposing mandatory three-year custodial sentences for thefts involving work tools.
The bill would also limit suspended sentences and has received strong support from tradespeople and his Fine Gael colleagues.
He says the thefts are devastating for tradespeople whose livelihoods depend on their equipment:
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