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Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has expanded efforts to tackle tool theft across the county with the wider rollout of property-marking kits designed to protect tradespeople’s livelihoods.
Earlier this year, PCC Bourne purchased 1,000 SelectaDNA tool-marking kits, with the National Farmers’ Union jointly funding 500 for use by Sussex Police’s Rural Crime Team. The remaining 500 kits are now being distributed through Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) to local tradespeople, following a day of action at Wickes in Hove involving Sussex Police, SelectaDNA and Checkatrade.
Neighbourhood officers have since hosted engagement sessions across Sussex. In Eastbourne, the local team handed out more than 20 kits outside B&Q while also helping residents register and mark their tools. In Adur and Worthing, 15 kits were distributed within an hour during a morning event at Wickes in Worthing, with further sessions held in Shoreham. Officers in Bexhill also joined with Wickes to raise awareness of tool theft and promote protective measures.
The SelectaDNA kits enable tradespeople to mark tools with an invisible, permanent code that makes stolen items traceable and less attractive to criminals. Stickers and signage supplied with the kits act as a visible deterrent.
PCC Bourne said she was determined to help protect local tradespeople from the disruption and financial loss caused by theft. “These kits are quick to apply, the mark is invisible and indelible and the accompanying stickers and signage sends a strong message to potential thieves. It’s an extra layer of protection acting as a powerful deterrent against theft. Most importantly, the kits make stolen tools traceable and harder for criminals to profit from in any re-seller markets,” she said.
“For traders, their tools are their livelihoods, costing hundreds of pounds to replace, and theft of equipment can often leave them out of work. It’s essential that we expand the reach of these kits and awareness of the dangers faced by tradespeople – if you are interested in obtaining a kit, please contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team via the Sussex Police website.”
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne.
Inspector Amanda Hart welcomed the initiative, saying: “We understand the significant financial and emotional impact theft can have on victims. By using property marking kits, we’re able to link recovered items back to their rightful owners more easily. This simple step greatly improves the chances of returning stolen property and helps us bring offenders to justice.”
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