Trades Rally at ITS Harlow to Tackle Growing Tool Theft Crisis

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On Tuesday 29th April, tradespeople from across the region gathered at the ITS Harlow branch to stand together against the growing threat of tool theft. The event, run in partnership with security innovators and industry campaigners, saw FREE SelectaDNA Tool Marking Kits handed out to local trades in a push to deter thieves.

Tool theft continues to be a serious problem for tradespeople across the UK, with rising incidents affecting livelihoods and causing significant financial losses. In a proactive response, ITS teamed up with Trades United and Shoaib Awan (thegasexpert) to provide front-line solutions to those most at risk.

The core focus of the event was SelectaDNA – a forensic marking technology that allows users to register and mark tools with a unique code, making stolen equipment far more traceable and difficult to sell. This initiative forms part of a broader national movement aiming to raise awareness, change habits, and reduce theft.

Industry names such as CT1, Armorgard, Veloctity, and Fix Radio also lent their support, offering live demonstrations, expert advice on secure storage, and media coverage to further amplify the campaign’s message.

“We know the damage tool theft does—not just to business, but to people’s lives,” said an ITS spokesperson. “By offering these kits for free and partnering with such committed brands, we’re making it harder for criminals to get away with it—and making a statement that the trades community is stronger when we act together.”

The event builds on the online momentum created by Trades United, a grassroots movement of tradespeople campaigning for more awareness, stronger legislation, and greater protection for those impacted by theft.

For those unable to attend the event, SelectaDNA kits are now available to purchase online via its.co.uk, allowing more tradespeople to take proactive steps to protect their tools.

For more on the campaign or to get involved, follow:

@Trades_United and @TheGasExpert on Instagram
@its_co_uk on Instagram
Or visit www.its.co.uk