A Forensic Solution To Tool Theft

awareness of tool theft and protect their work vans from break-ins and criminal damage.

To help tackle this serious issue, SelectaDNA has been working on new forensic marking solutions to help deter thieves from targeting tools. One of these solutions is the SelectaDNA Tools and Equipment Kit which can mark up to 50 items including drills, wrenches, angle grinders, chain saws, hedge trimmers and hand tools. A unique formula of DNA, UV tracer, and microdots, the SelectaDNA solution is inconspicuous and almost impossible to remove.

SelectaDNA Managing Director James Brown said: “Whether you’re a plumber, a builder or an electrician, tools are your most important resources. By marking each tool with SelectaDNA and displaying a warning sticker in your vehicle or on your site, you can dramatically reduce the chance of theft.”

However, in the unfortunate event that tools do get stolen, SelectaDNA can help lead to their recovery and even a conviction. The use of SelectaDNA offers even further protection, by forensically marking assets and recording them on the secure SAR database. A code found on an item of property or criminal can then be identified back to a specific owner and location. SelectaDNA effectively renders the tool worthless to anyone other than its legitimate owner.

Keen to protect tens of thousands of assets being used by their field engineers, Openreach, which runs the UK’s digital network, has chosen SelectaDNA to mark valuable tools and equipment such as fibre splicers, telecom testers, fibre compressors and gas detector units. Other users include housing firm Berneslai Homes and video doorbell company Ring which have both used SelectaDNA to raise

Tool theft continues to be such a concern that the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), which represents UK Police forces and works with the business community to tackle crimes against businesses, has recently partnered with Williams Trade Only Plumbing & Heating 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.

Tradespeople who attend the events are also 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 NBCC said: “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, 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.”

Contact details: sales@selectamark.co.uk www.selectadna.co.uk