Hardworking Hertfordshire tradespeople urged to protect tools as PCC launches free DNA marking kit offer to protect 50,000 tools across the county(2)

Hardworking tradespeople across Hertfordshire are being urged to take extra steps to protect their livelihoods as the Police and Crime Commissioner’s new tool theft campaign gathers pace.

As part of the campaign, the PCC is making 1,000 free SelectaDNA forensic marking kits available to Hertfordshire residents and tradespeople, enough to help protect and identify up to 50,000 tools and piece of equipment across the county.

The kits use a unique forensic marking solution which can be applied to tools and equipment and is extremely difficult to remove, making them traceable and far harder for criminals to sell on.

Tool theft can have a devastating impact on victims, often preventing people from working, cancelling jobs and causing major financial stress for families and businesses.

The free kits are available on a first come, first served basis and can be requested by completing the online form here: https://tinyurl.com/599j2u8n

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, Jonathan Ash-Edwards, said:

“Tool theft is not a minor crime. For many victims it means lost income, missed work and real worry about how they will pay the bills.

“That is why I launched our countywide campaign to clamp down on tool theft and better protect hardworking people across Hertfordshire. We’ll be holding a series of roadshows in May and June where people can pick up a kit and get advice on how to use them.

“These free DNA marking kits are a practical step people can take right now to make tools less attractive to criminals and easier to recover if stolen.

“I would encourage anyone who relies on their tools for work to apply or come along to one of the roadshows.”

Details of the roadshows are as follows:

20th May: Borehamwood Screwfix - 7am-9am

22nd May: Hertford Screwfix - 7am-9am

1st June: Hemel Hempstead Selco - 7am-9am

4th June: Hoddesdon Screwfix - 7am-9am

8th June Welwyn Garden City Screwfix 7am-9am

The campaign also includes awareness activity, prevention advice, engagement with tradespeople and work to tackle the resale of stolen tools through markets and online platforms.

Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity, keep tools secured where possible and record serial numbers and photographs of valuable equipment.

For more information about the technology visit https://www.selectadna.co.uk/

For more information please contact:

Rachel Stone, Hertfordshire PCC

Tel: 07949279782 Email: [email protected]