Ipswich gas fitter’s blunt white van message deters thieves, sparks debate.

By Our Consumer Correspondent: Colin Allcabs

An Ipswich gas fitter has attracted widespread attention after delivering a no-nonsense policy statement on the rear doors of his white van.

Spray-painted in neat, block capitals, the message reads: “DON’T STEAL MY TOOLS, I NEED THEM TO PAY FOR YOUR BENEFITS!” The slogan appeared earlier this week in a residential street near the town centre and was immediately noted for combining theft deterrence with fiscal commentary.

The van belongs to local tradesman Alan Prendergast, who confirmed that the message was added following the theft of a drill set earlier this year. “I thought I’d save time,” he explained. “Most signs just say ‘no tools left overnight’. This one explains the consequences.”

According to Mr Prendergast, the appeal is aimed specifically at what he describes as “work-shy petty thieves,” whom he believes underestimate the knock-on effects of tool theft on what he termed “alarm-clock taxpayers.” He stressed that the message was not intended to upset “people who genuinely need help,” but conceded that subtlety was not the priority.

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Reaction among passers-by has been mixed but engaged. Some praised the van for “saying what everyone’s thinking,” while others suggested it may be difficult to process before the traffic lights change. One neighbour described it as “a political pamphlet, but with ladders.”

The local council confirmed that while the wording was “robust,” it does not breach any regulations, provided the paint does not obscure lights or number plates. Police declined to comment, though an officer was observed reading the van carefully before nodding.

Since the message appeared, Mr Prendergast reports no further thefts, though he has received several thumbs-up gestures and one handwritten note reading simply, “Fair point.”

For now, the van remains parked as usual, doubling as both mobile workplace and rolling opinion column, quietly reminding would-be crooks to think twice before helping themselves.