Tradespeople across Sussex are invited to visit a designated a branch over three days in May to have their tools marked free of charge.

A new campaign to increase protection against tool theft for 1,000 tradespeople across Sussex has been launched today.

The UK’s leading builders’ merchant Travis Perkins has joined forces with Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne to deliver the vital initiative, which will protect up to 50,000 tools.

Tradespeople across Sussex are invited to visit a designated Travis Perkins branch over three days in May to have their tools marked free of charge, with specialist SelectaDNA kits funded by Travis Perkins and PCC Bourne.

Tool theft is increasingly rife across the country and, in 2025 alone, there were 2,451 vehicle-related thefts in Sussex.

Each tool marking kit can be used to mark up to 50 tools with a unique synthetic DNA solution which is impossible to remove completely. If a marked tool is subsequently stolen and recovered by the police, it can be identified using a UV light.

The first event will be held at Travis Perkins Brighton Portslade on Wellington Road on May 12, followed by its Eastbourne branch on Whitley Road 24 hours later before culminating at its Crawley branch, on Crawley Road in Horsham, on May 14.

Each event begins at 7.30am and concludes at 4pm. The Eastbourne event will also extend the offer to customers of Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery, part of the Travis Perkins Group, on the same site.

As part of the scheme, any tradesperson who has had their tools stolen and has a registered police crime reference number from this year will be able to get 15% off TP Hire until June 7 to replace their tools on a temporary basis.

Carine Jessamine, Group Marketing and Digital Director at Travis Perkins, said: “The risk of tool theft is constantly in the minds of tradespeople across the country and we want to do what we can to support their plight.

“There are far too many tools stolen nationwide on a daily basis and it literally stops tradespeople from being able to do their jobs in an instant. The impact of tool theft doesn’t stop there - it has all kinds of knock-on effects on the lives of those affected, whether that is their financial status or their mental wellbeing.

“It is proven that tool marking acts as a deterrent to thieves so we are confident this campaign will help to decrease incidents of tool theft in the area. We are encouraging any tradesperson across Sussex to visit one of our selected branches over the three days and take measures to help reduce the risk of tool theft.”

PCC Bourne added: “Co-funding 1,000 SelectaDNA tool marking kits in partnership with Travis Perkins was an easy decision - time and again, I hear devastating stories from tradespeople whose livelihoods have been put at risk after having their tools stolen.

“These kits will provide reassurance, practical protection and a strong deterrent to criminals, while also increasing the chances that stolen tools can be reunited with their rightful owners when recovered.

“I am delighted to be working alongside Travis Perkins, building on my longstanding efforts to support and protect tradespeople across Sussex. I strongly encourage anyone working in a trade to attend one of our events to receive a free kit, capable of marking up to 50 tools.”

Chief Inspector Oliver Fisher added: “Tool theft can have a devastating impact on small businesses. Sussex Police recognises the financial strain tool theft can cause victims, from the cost of replacing stolen tools to the disruption it can also have to earning their living.

“We are pleased to be working with the Police Crime Commissioner’s office providing tool marking kits as part of our wider scope of tackling tool theft including patrols in high-risk areas, shared intelligence, CCTV and witness evidence collection for any reported cases, as well as dedicated operations.

“We welcome the upcoming tool marking events hosted and part-funded by Travis Perkins to support the community. Property marking schemes offer a visible and effective deterrent, as well as maximising our chances of reuniting stolen property with the rightful owners.

“Our officers will continue to work closely with local businesses, trade associations and tradespeople to recover and return any reported stolen items and to prevent these crimes before they happen. We also know that stolen tools can be sold online and at boot fairs and we encourage the public not to buy valuable tools if they have any concerns about the provenance of the tool, or the person selling them.

“We encourage anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it immediately - this information could help us catch criminals in the act.”