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 St Albans on Friday 21st March, from 08:00 to 14:00 at Acrewood Way, St Albans AL4 0JY. This is the second event, with the first one being at Wickes Stirchey on Monday 10th March. Across both events, Wickes aims to mark 25,000 tools, offering essential protection to tradespeople’s equipment.
With tool theft on the rise, this initiative offers a vital opportunity for tradespeople to protect their equipment and gain 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 can lead to significant financial losses, work disruptions, and negatively impact livelihoods across the industry.
According to the Wickes Mood of the Nation survey of 394 tradespeople*, 77% of tradespeople cite financial loss as the biggest consequence, while 38% experience stress and anxiety. Concern about theft remains high, with 56% worried about incidents in the next 1-2 years. However, proactive measures are being taken, as 2 in 6 tradespeople have either
marked their tools or are considering doing so. By attending this event, tradespeople can take important steps to secure their tools and safeguard their future.
The event will bring together key industry partners, including Fix Radio, CT1, Shoiab Awan founder of Trades United, the organisation mobilising tradespeople across the UK to fight tool theft and SelectaDNA. The police and experts will be on hand to provide valuable advice on theft prevention, and supplier representatives will demonstrate top trade products. Attendees can also enjoy complimentary breakfast pastries and hot drinks while networking with fellow tradespeople. Fix Radio will also be there, providing music and creating great energy and atmosphere throughout the day.
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 DNA marking technology to help deter theft and aid law enforcement in the recovery of stolen tools.
David Lloyd, store manager at Wickes in St Albans, says: “At Wickes, we’re dedicated to supporting our TradePro customers and safeguarding their livelihoods. With tool theft on the rise, we’re stepping up with our Mass Tool Marking Event which offers tradespeople a simple yet effective way to protect their equipment. In partnership with industry leaders and providing SelectaDNA tool marking kits, this will help our TradePro members to deter theft and keep essential tools secure.”
James Brown, managing director of SelectaDNA, says: “Tool theft is a serious issue that affects thousands of tradespeople each year, causing financial loss and disruption to their work. At SelectaDNA, we’re committed 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 St Albans on Friday 21st March from 08:00 to 14:00, and take advantage of this free tool marking event designed to protect the trade community.
