Free tool marking sessions for tradespeople as part of ongoing campaign
Matthew Barber, Police & Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, is urging tradespeople to attend a series of free tool marking sessions
Having your tools stolen isn’t just an inconvenience, it also results in financial loss, emotional strain and, depending on where the theft took place, security and community safety concerns.
As part of its’ ongoing campaign, the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner has organised a series of free tool marking sessions with the first taking place at Screwfix in Bletchley (Milton Keynes) on Monday 2 March 2026.
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. There is no need to register, with the first session taking place at Screwfix in Bletchley on Monday 2 March from 8am.”
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.
A number of sessions have already been organised in the following locations, with details on further sessions being published in the coming weeks:
Monday 2 March 2026 (8am until lunchtime) – Screwfix Bletchley, Milton Keynes (MK1 1EQ)
Wednesday 11 March 2026 (8am until lunchtime) – Screwfix Reading, Hyperion Way (RG2 0HG)
Tuesday 24 March 2026 (8am until lunchtime) – Screwfix Tilehurst, Reading (RG30 6BX)
Wednesday 25 March 2026 (timings TBC) – Screwfix High Wycombe, Cressex Business Park (HP12 3QL)
Tuesday 31 March 2026 (8am until lunchtime) – Toolstation Oxford, Botley Road (OX2 0PB)
If you are unable to attend one of the sessions listed, please visit our dedicated webpage and complete the online form to request your free tool-marking kit.
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
Ensuring equipment is safely stored at the end of the day
For further details, including support information on how to protect your tools, please visit our Vehicle Crime and Tool Theft webpage.
