Pictured: SelectaDNA Tool and Equipment Kits Hertfordshire PCC launches free SelectaDNA tool marking kits to help prevent tool theft, protect tradespeople, mark 50,000 tools, and improve recovery of stolen equipment across Hertfordshire.
Tool theft continues to rise across the UK, causing serious disruption for tradespeople who rely on their tools and equipment to work. In response, the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Jonathan Ash-Edwards has launched a major countywide initiative offering free forensic marking kits to help protect thousands of tools from theft.
As part of the campaign 1000 free SelectaDNA Tool and Equipment Kits are being distributed to Hertfordshire residents and tradespeople - enough to protect up to 50,000 individual tools and pieces of equipment.
Tackling the Growing Problem of Tool Theft
Through this new campaign, the Hertfordshire PCC is encouraging residents and tradespeople to take proactive steps to better protect valuable tools and equipment.
Speaking about the campaign, PCC Jonathan Ash-Edwards said: “Tool theft is not a minor crime. For many victims it means lost income, missed work and real worry about how they will pay the bills.
That is why I launched our countywide campaign to clamp down on tool theft and better protect hardworking people across Hertfordshire. We’ll be holding a series of roadshows in May and June where people can pick up a kit and get advice on how to use them.
These free DNA marking kits are a practical step people can take right now to make tools less attractive to criminals and easier to recover if stolen.
I would encourage anyone who relies on their tools for work to apply or come along to one of the roadshows.”
What Is the SelectaDNA Tool Marking Kit?
The SelectaDNA Tools and Equipment Kit is a forensic marking solution designed to deter theft and improve recovery of stolen items. Each kit includes a unique synthetic DNA solution containing a UV tracer and microdots, allowing tools to be invisibly marked and permanently identifiable.
Key features include:
- Marks up to 50 tools per kit
- Forensic DNA solution is extremely difficult to remove
- UV tracer for quick police identification
- Microdot technology for forensic traceability
- Lifetime registration on the Secure Asset Register
- No ongoing subscription or licensing fees
- High-visibility warning stickers to deter thieves
Once marked, tools become significantly less attractive to criminals, as they are harder to sell and easier for police to trace and recover.
How SelectaDNA Works
SelectaDNA uses a unique forensic marking solution to permanently mark tools and equipment, helping to identify ownership and deter theft. Each kit contains a unique forensic code that is registered to the owner on the Secure Asset Register, allowing police to quickly identify and recover stolen property.
If stolen items are recovered, officers can trace ownership both nationally and internationally, significantly increasing the chances of tools and equipment being returned to their rightful owner.
Free Tool Marking Roadshow Events in Hertfordshire
Tradespeople across Hertfordshire are invited to attend a series of early morning roadshow events where they can collect free kits and receive advice on how to apply them.
Events locations include:
- 20th May: Screwfix Borehamwood | 7am - 9am
- 22nd May: Screwfix Hertford | 7am - 9am
- 1st June: Selco Builders Warehouse Hemel Hempstead | 7am - 9am
- 4th June: Screwfix Hoddesdon | 7am - 9am
- 8th June: Screwfix Welwyn Garden City | 7am - 9am
These events form part of a wider crime prevention strategy involving engagement with tradespeople, awareness campaigns and efforts to disrupt the resale of stolen tools through online and offline markets.
Why DNA Marking Works Against Tool Theft
Criminals target tools because they are high-value, easy to resell and often difficult to trace. However, permanently marking tools with SelectaDNA reduces the risk of theft significantly.
Marked items are:
- Easier for police to identify and recover
- Less attractive to organised criminal groups
- Harder to sell on
Protect Your Tools Today
The Hertfordshire PCC campaign demonstrates the growing recognition of forensic marking as a frontline defence against tool theft.
Tradespeople are encouraged to attend a roadshow event to secure their equipment and reduce the risk of theft. Alternatively, you can purchase your own SelectaDNA Tool and Equipment Kit here: SelectaDNA Tools and Equipment Kit | SelectaDNA
For further information and images contact: Jessica Farrugia, Senior Marketing Manager for Selectamark.
Phone: +44(0)1689 487829
Email:
[email protected]
Twitter: @selectadna
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