A community-led anti-tool theft event took place in Brighton on 13 May, organised by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne and Checkatrade.
Each valued at over £60 and funded by the Sussex PCC, 500 free SelectaDNA tool marking kits were distributed to tradespeople. According to a statement, the kits aim to make tools easier to trace and less attractive to thieves.
The event included security advice from SelectaDNA and local police, live tool marking demonstrations and real-life stories from a victim of tool theft.
Emma Grant, head of trade experience at Checkatrade, said: “Tool theft is a daily worry for the UK’s hardworking trades, with 78% saying they had been a victim in a recent report. That’s why we’re partnering with the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner to pilot a new scheme offering 500 free tool-marking kits to local tradespeople.These kits make stolen tools easier to trace and harder to sell on. This pilot programme is an important first step with the ambition to expand and protect more tradespeople across the country in the future.”
Katy Bourne OBE added: “These kits take just minutes to apply, the mark is completely invisible and will send a strong message to potential thieves. It’s an extra layer of protection acting as a powerful deterrent against theft.
“The kits make stolen tools traceable and harder for criminals to profit in re-seller markets. For traders, their tools can be their livelihoods, they often cost thousands of pounds to replace and theft of equipment can leave people out of work. It has been fantastic to partner with Checkatrade who have over 50,000 members and who have been fundamental in raising awareness of tool theft to Parliament through the Theft of Tools of Trade Bill.
“It was a fantastic day at the Wickes Hove branch, speaking with Sussex-based traders and understanding their experiences of theft and how they can protect their tools. Whilst Sussex has seen a decrease in reports of tool thefts, it is vital we continue to promote prevention as one of the most powerful tools in our arsenal.”
Shoaib Awan, Checkatrade member and victim of tool theft, said: “As a tradesperson who has invested years in education, training, and building a business, repeated incidents of tool theft are not only demoralising—they’re financially crippling. If this trend continues, many of us will be forced to walk away from our trades.
“Even more worrying is the message being sent to the next generation: that crime is profitable, and honest work is punished. Immediate legislative and regulatory change is needed. If we are serious about protecting livelihoods and preventing further decline in skilled trades, the time to act is now.”
