NBCC Launch Marking Initiative to Combat Commercial Tool Theft

The National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) has partnered with Williams Trade Plumbing Supplies to hold a series of tool marking events to tackle the theft of power tools and other high value items from commercial vehicles.

Seven police forces have signed up to take part in the national events which involves police officers and staff 
from each force working with their local Williams outlet to mark the property of tradespeople in the area using 
SelectaDNA Tool Marking kits.

Once marked, the items will be registered on the Secure Asset Register (SAR) property database, making them easy to identify and hopefully to return to their rightful owner if they are stolen.

Tradespeople who attend the events will also be given deterrent stickers to display on their vehicles as well as 
crime prevention advice from the local team to help them keep their tools and vehicles secure.

Police Sgt Paul Fagg from the National Business Crime Centre said: “We are grateful to Williams Trade Plumbing 
Supplies for agreeing to host these events and to those police forces who are actively supporting the initiative. 
Tool theft from commercial vehicles continues to be a big problem for tradespeople with Direct Line for Business 
estimating that more than £83 million worth of tools have been stolen across England and Wales in the last three 
years.

“Many of the people targeted are self-employed and when their tools are stolen they not only lose the items 
themselves, which can run into thousands of pounds, it can also result in loss of work and loss of earnings. By 
marking tools and taking simple crime prevention steps, the risk of being a victim can be significantly reduced.”

The forces taking part in the initiative are Sussex Police, The Metropolitan Police, Hampshire Constabulary, Essex Police, West Midlands Police, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, and Greater Manchester Police.

Ray Stafford, Director of Williams Trade Supplies said: “Tool marking is a vital part of reducing tool crime. It deters 
thieves from targeting your van, it increases the chances of the police getting a conviction and if your tools are stolen, it is much more likely that they will be returned to you in the future. We are very pleased to be working with the Police and SelectaDNA on this ground-breaking initiative which we hope will spread throughout the industry.”

James Brown, Managing Director or Selectamark concluded: “This is a fantastic collaboration between Police, retailer, and security solution provider. We have been extremely impressed with the National Business Crime Centre and Williams Trade Supplies in driving this campaign forward and being so passionate in tackling tool theft headon. This is a great example of a retailer caring about its customers and being willing to go that extra mile to protect valuable tools and equipment from theft. SelectaDNA is really proud to be part of this campaign.”
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