Wickes Stirchley Hosts Free Tool Marking Event

• Wickes tackles tool theft with a Mass Tool Marking Event at Wickes Stirchley to help tradespeople protect their equipment
• Research from Wickes shows 2 in 5 tradespeople are 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, helping 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. The second event will follow on Friday 21st March, at Wickes St Albans. 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.

Natalie Linton, Store Manager at Wickes in Stirchley says "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 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 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.

Source : Wickes

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