SelectaDNA, Travis Perkins and Sussex PCC Join Forces to Protect Tradespeople from Tool Theft

SelectaDNA, Travis Perkins and Sussex PCC Join Forces to Protect Tradespeople from Tool Theft 

SelectaDNA is proud to be supporting a major new initiative launching today to help protect 1,000 tradespeople across Sussex from tool theft, safeguarding up to 50,000 tools. 

Working in partnership with Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Sussex Police and Travis Perkins, the campaign will provide free forensic DNA tool marking to tradespeople at selected branches across the county. 

The initiative forms part of a growing programme of PCC‑led investment in crime prevention, with Police and Crime Commissioners across the country increasingly funding practical, frontline solutions to protect local livelihoods and deter criminal activity. 

Tool theft continues to have a devastating impact on trades across the UK. In Sussex alone, there were 2,451 vehicle‑related thefts recorded in 2025, many resulting in tools being stolen and tradespeople left unable to work.

Through this campaign, specialist SelectaDNA forensic marking kits - co‑funded by Travis Perkins and PCC Katy Bourne - will be used to mark tools with a unique synthetic DNA solution that is virtually impossible to remove completely. Each kit can mark up to 50 tools. Marked tools carry a powerful visible deterrent and, if stolen and later recovered, can be quickly identified by police using UV light, dramatically increasing the chances of items being returned to their rightful owners and supporting successful prosecutions. 

Free tool marking events across Sussex 

Tradespeople across Sussex are invited to attend free tool‑marking events at the following Travis Perkins branches: 

PCC Katy Bourne OBE said: 

“Co‑funding 1,000 SelectaDNA tool marking kits in partnership with Travis Perkins was an easy decision. Time and again, I hear devastating stories from tradespeople whose livelihoods have been put at risk by tool theft. These kits provide reassurance, practical protection and a strong deterrent to criminals, while significantly increasing the chances of stolen tools being reunited with their rightful owners. I am delighted to be working alongside SelectaDNA and Travis Perkins, building on my longstanding commitment to supporting tradespeople across Sussex. I strongly encourage anyone working in a trade to attend one of these events and take advantage of this free protection.” 

Carine Jessamine, Group Marketing and Digital Director at Travis Perkins, said: 

“Tool theft is a constant concern for our customers and something we are committed to helping address. Having tools stolen can stop someone from working instantly, creating both financial and emotional strain. Tool marking is proven to act as a deterrent, and we’re pleased to be supporting this initiative alongside SelectaDNA and the PCC to help reduce incidents of theft and support tradespeople across Sussex.” 

Chief Inspector Oliver Fisher, Sussex Police, said: 

“Tool theft can have a devastating impact on small businesses. Property marking schemes such as SelectaDNA are a highly effective deterrent and significantly improve our ability to reunite stolen items with their owners. This campaign forms part of our wider efforts to tackle tool theft, alongside targeted patrols, intelligence‑led policing and partnership working. We welcome this investment and encourage tradespeople to attend.” 

A growing national commitment to prevention 

The Sussex campaign follows similar PCC‑backed initiatives in other regions, including Thames Valley and Hertfordshire, demonstrating a clear and growing commitment by Police and Crime Commissioners to invest in preventative technology that protects communities, supports economic resilience and tackles acquisitive crime at source. 

SelectaDNA continues to work closely with PCCs, police forces and industry partners nationwide to deliver practical, proven solutions that deter criminals and protect those most at risk.