Tradie's scathing message on back of ute goes viral

A tradesman sick of having his tools stolen from his work vehicle has turned to bumper stickers to humiliate potential thieves.

The scathing message, which was attached to the front of his trailer, is meant to make criminals think twice about taking what isn't there.

"Don't steal my tools, I need them to pay for your benefits," the sign reads.

The image was taken by a Melbourne road user, who posted it on Facebook.

It has since gone viral after a resident sent the image into the Sunrise TV show.

A number of people hit out at the tradesman saying he's tarnishing everyone on welfare with the same negative brush.

"It's amazing... to feel so entitled to self-righteousness and truly believing that someone on "Welfare" has never contributed any TAX that goes toward the Welfare budget!!! one woman wrote.

"Get a grip on reality folks!! Even Age Pensioners contributed for decades via the Tax they paid! So too those who have unfortunately found themselves unemployed for whatever reason.....often due to reasons well beyond their own control!!

"Tarring all welfare recipients with the same "Bludger" paint brush is beneath even a Cretin!!"

Another person wrote: "Bit rich really, why presume that just beneficiaries nick stuff from other people."

However, some saw the funny side of the gag.

"This tradie is making one mistake. He is assuming all thieves can read," one wrote.

"Oh so thieves collect benefits? Pretty rude. Some thieves are wonderful people who work 9-5 jobs and pay taxes too," another joked.

The stickers or signs can be bought for as little as £1.75 on e-Bay in England.