Tradespeople Head to Travis Perkins to Protect Against Tool Theft

Hardworking tradespeople from across Sussex descended on three Travis Perkins branches to give themselves extra protection against tool theft. 

The UK’s largest builders' merchant partnered with Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne and Sussex Police to deliver 1,000 SelectaDNA tool marking kits for tradespeople across the county.

SelectaDNA utilises a unique synthetic DNA solution that is applied using a cotton swab to mark each tool. If an item is then stolen and subsequently found, it can be identified using a UV light.

With almost 2,500 vehicle-related thefts in Sussex alone in 2025, tool theft is commonplace and a costly issue for tradespeople.

However, with each SelectaDNA kit able to mark up to 50 tools, the campaign ensured additional protection if they are the victims of a crime.

The scheme was jointly funded by Travis Perkins and Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, and the kits were distributed at the merchant’s branches in Brighton Portslade, Eastbourne and Crawley over three consecutive days.

Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Our week of giving forensic kits to local tradespeople so they can mark their tools and protect their livelihoods, has been a great success.

“It was heartbreaking to hear first-hand from several individuals whose businesses have been severely impacted by the theft of their tools. Each of them welcomed these kits as a vital step towards protecting themselves and other tradespeople in the future.

“By working in partnership with Travis Perkins, Sussex Police and SelectaDNA, we are putting in place a strong and practical layer of protection to deter thieves and giving support to those who make a vital contribution to our local Sussex economy.”

Alongside the kits, Travis Perkins provided further support by offering a 15% discount on its Hire products to anyone who has had their tools stolen this year - providing they show a valid crime reference number - making it easier for victims to get back to work.

Carine Jessamine, Group Marketing and Digital Director at Travis Perkins, said: “The three tool marking events in Sussex were a huge success and we hope it makes an impact in reducing incidents in the region.

“Tool theft is an enormous problem for all tradespeople, and as the UK’s biggest builders’ merchant, we want to do everything we can to support them.

“It was hugely impactful to hear some of the stories from tradespeople during the events who have been significantly affected by tool theft, but it was rewarding that we could offer support to hopefully reduce the risk of it happening to them again.”

As well as applying the synthetic DNA solution onto tools, the kits also had stickers which were put onto vehicles to act as a deterrent for potential thieves.

Travis Perkins is part of Travis Perkins plc and is the UK’s largest supplier of building materials to the building and construction industry.

Featuring a network of more than 500 branches, it supplies thousands of products and materials, including a tool hire service, to trade professionals and self-builders across the nation.

It offers a wide range of quality timber, building materials, kitchens, plumbing and heating, landscaping, painting and decorating essentials and tools for the job.

For more information, visit www.travisperkins.co.uk

Source : Travis Perkins

Image : <!--StartFragment-->Left, Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner; middle right, Group Marketing and Digital Director at Travis Perkins Carine Jessamine; right, Oliver Fisher from Sussex Police.<!--EndFragment-->

For all the very latest news and intelligence on the UK's largest home improvement and garden retailers, sign up for the Insight DIY weekly newsletter.