THE OFFICE of the Police and Crime Commissioner is hosting a number of free sessions to help tradespeople combat theft of tools in Reading.
Sessions will provide information and materials for stopping tool theft and recovering stolen items, which can cause in financial loss, emotional strain, and security and community safety concerns.
Tool marking kits will be available on a first come, first served basis with a number of other theft prevention items, including faraday pouches and anti-theft number plate screws, available to take away.
Alongside tool marking, there are a number of ways you can help protect your tools from theft including removing or obscuring any brand logos, keeping an inventory of your tools and taking photographs of items of value, adding a GPS tracker, and ensuring equipment is safely stored at the end of the day
Matthew Barber said: “We know that 4 in 10 tradespeople have experienced tool theft across the UK. Tools are essential for their livelihoods and often represent a substantial financial investment.
“That’s why our free tool marking sessions are so important–at these events, tradespeople will have the chance to come along and pick up a tool marking kit, register it with Selectamark and then be able to walk away knowing that they have made their tools and livelihoods safer from opportunistic thieves.
“In addition to providing tradespeople with the opportunity to get their tools protectively marked, the sessions will be attended by local neighbourhood policing teams and Selectamark who will be on hand to provide security tips and tricks to keep tools and livelihoods safe.
“If you are a tradesperson based in the Thames Valley, I would urge you to attend one of our free tool marking sessions.”
Sessions are taking place from 8am-noon at Screwfix Reading, Hyperion Way, on Wednesday, March 11, and at Screwfix Tilehurst on Tuesday, March 24.
More information is available via: thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/vehiclecrime
