DNA marking kits handed out to tackle tool theft
About 500 kits, which use an invisible DNA solution to mark tools and machinery, will be given out to people in Brighton in a bid to reduce the prolific rural crime.
The scheme had previously been used to protect farm machinery but will now be rolled out after tradespeople across the South East called for tougher penalties after a spate of reported crimes.
Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), said the kits were an "extra layer of protection acting as a powerful deterrent against theft".
Ms Bourne added: "The kits make stolen tools traceable and harder for criminals to profit in re-seller markets.
"For traders, their tools can be their livelihoods, they often cost thousands of pounds to replace and theft of equipment can leave people out of work."
Kits used in the scheme work by providing an invisible DNA gel which can be used to mark property such as tools and machinery.
The gel dries clear and then can only be identified through ultraviolet light and specialist microscopes, a PCC spokesperson added.
When analysed, the gel marking can then be used to help return the tools to their rightful owners if they are stolen.
In total, 500 of the kits have been funded by the PCC's office in partnership with tradespeople website Checkatrade.
A report by trade publication On The Tools found four in five tradespeople in the UK that were surveyed in the report had experienced tool theft.
Tools often worth thousands of pounds can be stolen from the back of tradespeople's vans, wreaking havoc on traders who are then out of pocket and unable to work.
Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
BBC Sounds: Counting the cost of tool theft
DNA scheme on farm machinery cuts theft - report
Tradespeople demand fix for tool theft 'plague'
Sussex Police
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
'Alex died chasing his dream, it can't be in vain'
The family of a 15-year-old champion kickboxer who died after a bout have said while his death has left them "broken", they hoped it wouldn't be "in vain". Alex Eastwood, from Fazakerley, Liverpool, collapsed after the third and final two-minute round of a "light contact" kickboxing match against a 17-year-old opponent in Wigan in June 2024. He was taken to hospital but had suffered a serious head injury and died three days later. Alex's father Stephen Eastwood and step-mother Nikita vowed to make the sport safer after it came to light he had been competing in an unsanctioned fight. His father Stephen Eastwood said: "As a family, we're still broken. I don't think that will ever go away. "We're just trying to do thing right and make change for the people involved in that sport." Mr Eastwood said they were hopeful that a recent meeting with Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Lisa Nandy, who is also the MP for Wigan, would result in changes being made. He said: "She was quite positive that something will happen to prevent this from happening again. "So as a parent, his death isn't in vain - there's a lasting legacy for Alex and to protect other people in the sport." 'Massive regret' A recent inquest into Alex's death found there was no minimum standard of medical aid or proper risk assessments done at events like the one that resulted in his death. Coroner Michael Pemberton said neither Alex, nor his parents, appreciated the dangers of the "chaotic and somewhat disjointed" approach to children involved in combat sports. Mrs Eastwood said Alex was "massively failed" by the lack of safety protocols in the organisations he competed and trained with. "He was just doing his dream, doing what he wanted and pursuing his career," she said. "There was nothing to keep that dream fulfilled and sustained within the safety that should have been there for him." She said assuming that there were safety protocols in place was "a massive regret" she had. Mrs Eastwood said: "I encourage other parents to ask the questions - what is my child going into here?" Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. More on this story Parents of kickboxer who died meet sport secretary 'Our son's kickboxing death must lead to change' No safeguards when kickboxer, 15, died - coroner 'Our son's kickboxing death must lead to change'
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Demonstrators arrested at Palestine Action event
More than a dozen people have been arrested in Norwich city centre for showing support for Palestine Action, which has recently been proscribed by the government as a terrorist organisation. Norfolk Police said 13 people "holding placards showing support" for the group were arrested outside City Hall during the protest, which started at 12:30 BST. They were held on suspicion of displaying an item in support of a proscribed organisation, contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Five people were taken to Wymondham police station for questioning while the other eight were de-arrested after they gave their details to police. A 14th person had a sign seized by officers. The force said the protest was over by 14:00 BST. Supt Wes Hornigold said: "We will always work to facilitate peaceful protest and protect the democratic right to assembly. However, the actions of this group were unlawful. "Our officers' role is to prevent disorder, damage and disruption in the local community and they will use their powers to do this. Any breaches of the law will be dealt with." The arrests came a day after the Metropolitan Police said a further 60 people would be prosecuted for supporting Palestine Action. The force said it followed the arrest of more than 700 people since the group was banned on July 5, including 522 in central London last Saturday. More prosecutions are expected in the coming weeks, and arrangements have been put in place "that will enable us to investigate and prosecute significant numbers each week if necessary", the Met said. Palestine Action was banned by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper following criminal damage to planes at RAF Brize Norton. As a result, membership of or support for the group is a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Cooper said the ban was based on "strong security advice following serious attacks the group has committed" as well as "plans and ideas for further attacks". But Amnesty International chief executive Sacha Deshmukh has described the mass arrests that have happened since then as "deeply concerning". Last month, the High Court ruled that Palestine Action would be able to challenge its proscription. Lawyers for the group's co-founder Huda Ammori argue that the ban breaches the right to free speech and acts as a gag on legitimate protest. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story Palestine Action can challenge UK ban, court rules UN human rights chief criticises UK Palestine Action ban Some don't know 'full nature' of Palestine Action, says Cooper Related internet links Norfolk Constabulary Proscribed Terrorist Groups or Organisations
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
999 crews attending a 'serious incident' at Richmond Falls
Emergency services are attending a 'serious incident' at Richmond Falls this evening. According to reports on social media, a search is underway for a person in the water, although this has not been confirmed. Police, paramedics and members of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service's water rescue team are at the beauty spot. Members of Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team are understood to be at the scene. A police helicopter is also searching the area. North Yorkshire Police have been contacted, but have not yet confirmed the nature of the incident. This is an ongoing story, and we will bring you more updates as they become available.
