Havering Council Teams Up with SelectaDNA to Protect Against Tool Theft

Havering Council Teams Up with SelectaDNA to Protect Against Tool Theft 

SelectaDNA recently teamed up with Havering Council, the Metropolitan Police, and key industry partners to deliver a targeted crime prevention event at B&Q Roneo Corner, designed to help local tradespeople protect their tools and livelihoods. 

The event offered free SelectaDNA forensic marking kits, which enable tradespeople to mark and register their tools, deterring theft and aiding police in recovering stolen property. 

Voices from the trade community 

Many attendees spoke openly about the disruption and stress caused by tool theft, with several having suffered repeated incidents. 

• “I was only in a job for 20 minutes to change a tap. When I came out, everything in my van had gone. Even now, years later, I won’t park unless I can see my van.” 
• “I had over £3,000 worth of kit stolen from my van and site. I couldn’t work for weeks. If I don’t work, I don’t get paid - it’s that simple.” 
• “Even though they only took a few tools, the damage to my van cost £900. The knock-on effect was huge.” 
• “We’ve had tools taken multiple times. Each time it means lost income, missed deadlines, and higher insurance. It’s exhausting.” 
• “Tool theft is so common now, it’s almost expected. That’s why marking tools is a must. It’s not foolproof, but it gives you a fighting chance.” 

These are just some of the many accounts we’re hearing from tradespeople who have been affected by the tool theft epidemic – impacting them financially, mentally, and emotionally.  

Events like this give tradespeople an opportunity to speak directly with police officers, council representatives, and security specialists. For many, it was a chance to feel supported, share their concerns, and learn about ways to better protect their equipment. 

Continued efforts in the #StopToolTheft campaign 

The Metropolitan Police have already seen positive results following targeted operations at local boot sales. However, officers noted that the absence of markings on many recovered tools has made it difficult to return them. Events like this are helping to change that. 

Havering Council funded SelectaDNA kits for local tradespeople, recognising the wider impact of tool theft on small businesses and the local economy. The council continues to work closely with police and community partners to reduce theft from vehicles and build trust across the borough. 

SelectaDNA believes that this model of collaborative, preventative action is easily replicable across other local authorities. For a relatively low cost, the benefits are significant - increased deterrence, stronger engagement with local trades, and the potential for long-term reductions in theft. 

Together, we can put a stop to tool theft.