SelectaDNA Helps Tackle Tool Theft at Tool Marking Event in Gravesend

SelectaDNA Helps Tackle Tool Theft at Tool Marking Event in Gravesend  

Last month, SelectaDNA joined forces with Locks4Vans, Kent Police, and Checkatrade to deliver a successful tool marking event in Gravesend, helping local tradespeople take vital steps to protect their livelihoods from the growing threat of tool theft. 

The event, supported by local MP Lauren Sullivan and Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott, aimed to raise awareness of the scale of the issue and equip attendees with SelectaDNA forensic marking kits to protect their tools and increase the chances of recovery if stolen. 

“Tool theft is really important because this is people’s livelihoods we’re talking about,” said Matthew Scott PCC. “If their tools are stolen, that’s days and weeks of work they could potentially lose and income they could lose as a result. That’s why it’s really important that events like this take place - so we can work together to prevent it from happening.” 

Tradespeople were able to pick up a free SelectaDNA kit, which includes a unique identifier to link tools to their rightful owners, making it harder for criminals to sell stolen equipment and easier for police to return recovered items. 

“Now that we’ve got the SelectaDNA kit, we’re going to mark up the office tools and the van tools ASAP so they’re protected in the future,” said Peter, a local plumber whose van was recently targeted in an attempted break-in. 

The emotional and financial toll of tool theft was a recurring theme throughout the day. One attendee, Valburt Roy of Spring Bank Electrical Services, described how his tools were stolen in broad daylight from a supermarket car park: “The side door was yanked off, all my test equipment went. It has knocked my confidence, I’ll be honest with you, but I’m growing through it day by day.” 

“Events like this are so important,” said James Brown of SelectaDNA. “Not only do they give people the chance to protect their tools, but they also bring the community together and show tradespeople they’re not alone in tackling this issue.” 

SelectaDNA continues to work with police and local businesses across the UK to tackle tool theft head-on. With events like these, the message is clear: prevention is possible, and no tradesperson should have to face this issue alone.