SelectaDNA Forensic Marking Helps Fight Tool Theft

Operation Larkwood was launched to tackle a surge in organised tool theft across London and South Essex. The investigation uncovered thousands of pounds of contractor tools and equipment including a fibre splicer valued at around £2,000, as part of what is believed to be the UK’s largest haul of stolen tools. Police noticed SelectaDNA forensic marking on the splicer, which was then analysed at one of SelectaDNAs accredited laboratories and traced back to Openreach, the company that build and maintain the UK’s largest broadband network.

Jeff Taylor, National Security Manager for Openreach, met with Sergeant Dave Catlow, who led Operation Larkwood, to receive the tool. “This recovery highlights the value of marking equipment at source and the strength of our partnership with SelectaDNA,” said Jeff. “Every tool protected and returned helps us maintain the high level of service that customers expect from Openreach.”  

SelectaDNA has worked closely with Openreach for several years as part of a long‑term strategy to protect critical national infrastructure. Their multi‑layered security approach includes SelectaDNA forensic coding, tamper‑resistant ID labels and secure asset registration, enabling quick verification of ownership during police investigations. This approach has already delivered clear operational benefits, including recent convictions linked to SelectaDNA‑marked underground cabling theft in Lincolnshire. Cable marking solutions can also easily transfer to skin, clothing and vehicles enabling police to place suspects at a crime scene.

Since 2024, SelectaDNA has been at the forefront of a national movement to deter thieves, support police investigations and return stolen goods to their rightful owners. The company has hosted or supported over 40-tool marking events with more than 200,000 tools DNA-marked and registered, enabling police to trace stolen equipment during raids and operations.

Clair Frame, Head of UK Sales and Business Development, said, “Marking tools and equipment with SelectaDNA doesn’t just help ensure stolen items find their way home. It also sends a strong signal to organised crime gangs that tool theft no longer pays.”

Lyn Poole, SBD Development Officer, said, “I have known SelectaMark for two decades and their commitment to fighting tool theft, and the way they collaborate with different stakeholders and partners, is remarkable.

“The theft of tool is NOT a victimless crime. When a van is broken into it leaves owners facing stress and loss of work while vehicles are repaired or tools replaced. For many hard-working people, especially in the current time of austerity, it is a great inconvenience and has a serious impact.

“Marking and registering tools is a great deterrent, alongside securing vans correctly, using security-tested toolboxes, fitting additional locks and hardware, and being mindful of where you park. There are also apps and online communities that can help van and tool owners identify high-risk areas and stay informed”.

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SBD is owned by the UK Police Service with the specific aim of reducing crime and increasing safety for businesses and individuals.

SBD seeks to improve the physical security of buildings and the surrounding area using products such as doors, windows, locks and walling systems along with fencing systems that meet the SBD Police Preferred Specification security requirements.

SBD have many partner organisations, ranging from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government through to local authorities, housing associations, developers and manufacturers and work closely with standards and certification bodies.

SBD is the only way for companies to obtain police recognition for security-related products in the UK, through the Police Preferred Specification - a product-based accreditation scheme developed 25 years ago, which provides a recognised standard for all security products that effectively deter and reduce crime. SBD work with manufacturers and standards authorities to ensure that security standards are current and updated to keep pace with emerging crime trends.

Learn more about Secured by Design and our member companies at: https://www.securedbydesign.com/