Wickes hosts free tool marking event to help combat tool theft
Wickes tackles tool theft with a mass Tool Marking rvent at Wickes Stirchley, helping tradespeople protect their equipment
- Research from Wickes shows 2 in 5 tradespeople have been affected by theft, with 77% citing financial loss and 56% concerned about future theft.
- Free SelectaDNA tool marking kits will be given to the first 250 attendees in Stirchley to deter theft and aid recovery.
Wickes is taking a stand against tool theft with a Mass Tool Marking Event to help protect tradespeople’s equipment. The first event will take place at Wickes Stirchley on Monday 10th March, from 08:00 to 14:00, at 1 Ash Tree Road, Birmingham, B30 2BJ. A second event will follow on Friday 21st March at Wickes St Albans. Across both events, Wickes aims to mark 25,000 tools, providing vital protection for tradespeople’s livelihoods.
With tool theft on the rise, this initiative offers a crucial opportunity for tradespeople to protect their equipment while gaining valuable crime prevention insights. Tool theft is a major issue in the trade industry, affecting 2 in 5 tradespeople at some point in their careers. It leads to financial losses, work disruptions, and significant stress across the industry.
According to the Wickes Mood of the Nation survey of 394 tradespeople:
- 77% cite financial loss as the biggest consequence.
- 38% experience stress and anxiety as a result of theft.
- 56% are concerned about theft occurring in the next 1–2 years.
- 1 in 3 tradespeople have already marked their tools or are considering doing so.
By attending this event, tradespeople can take a proactive step towards securing their tools and safeguarding their future.
The event will bring together key industry partners, including Fix Radio, CT1, Trades United, (led by founder Shoiab Awan, an organisation mobilising tradespeople across the UK to fight tool theft), and SelectaDNA.
Police representatives and industry experts will also be on hand to provide theft prevention advice, while top trade suppliers will showcase their latest products. Attendees can enjoy complimentary breakfast pastries and hot drinks while networking with fellow tradespeople. Fix Radio will be broadcasting live, bringing energy and atmosphere to the event.
Free Tool Marking Kits for First 250 Attendees
The first 250 tradespeople attending the event will receive a free SelectaDNA tool marking kit, which can mark up to 50 tools and is valued at £50. These kits use advanced forensic DNA marking technology, helping to deter theft and aid law enforcement in recovering stolen tools.
Natalie Linton, Store Manager at Wickes Stirchley, said:
“At Wickes, we are committed to supporting our TradePro customers and protecting their livelihoods. Tool theft is a growing concern, and we are proud to take a stand with our Mass Tool Marking Event. By partnering with industry leaders and offering advanced protection through SelectaDNA tool marking kits, we’re helping tradespeople secure their equipment and reduce the risk of theft.”
James Brown, Managing Director of SelectaDNA, added:
“Tool theft is a serious issue affecting thousands of tradespeople each year, causing financial loss and disruption to their work. At SelectaDNA, we’re dedicated to making tools harder to steal and easier to recover. Our forensic marking technology acts as both a strong deterrent and a vital tool for tracing stolen equipment back to its rightful owner. We’re proud to be working with Wickes on this tool marking event, helping tradespeople protect their livelihoods and take a stand against tool theft.”
For more information, visit Wickes Stirchley on Monday 10th March from 08:00 to 14:00 and take advantage of this free tool marking event, designed to protect the trade community.
