Crime Prevention

The Havering Safer Neighbourhoods Team and South East Area BCU have been working collaboratively with partners in the trade industry to offer tradespeople across the borough free tool marking kits worth £50, enabling them to forensically mark their property.

Met Officers ran an engagement stall outside the B&Q store on Roneo Corner, Hornchurch, accompanied by several partners, including SelectaDNA, On The Tools, Fix Radio, CT1 and Rhino Trade Insurance. 

The event  - which builds on recent awareness and operational activity by The Met as part of their clamp down on stolen tools and their illegal sales – saw more than 200 tradesmen and women attend to speak to officers about crime prevention advice, with 100 free tool marking kits handed out.

The kits were funded by Havering Council, who were also in attendance, with demonstrations available on how Selecta DNA works and using it effectively. 

Acting Chief Inspector, Charlie Routley, said: “The Met is stepping up its efforts to combat tool theft as part of its continued commitment to reducing crime across London, dedicating more resource to this type of criminality to secure more convictions and increase the chances of reuniting victims with their stolen tools. 

“Theft of this kind has a severe impact on the livelihoods and reputation of victims, with their vehicles often damaged, leading to further costs to replace and fix them. 

“Forensic marking means we are more likely to be able to return stolen tools to their rightful owners, as well as convict the criminals who steal them, so I’d encourage all tradespeople to purchase a kit, or pick one up at the many Met-run events taking place across London.”

Thank you to Havering Council and Rhino Trade Insurance for funding the kits provided at today’s event and to B&Q, CT1, Fix Radio and Bunker Storge for their support.

Another event is now being planned for later this year, so if you missed us today, keep an eye out for the new date and location.