Secured by Design (SBD) member company SelectaMark Security Systems has supported a major Metropolitan Police investigation that recovered specialist Openreach equipment using SelectaDNA forensic marking.
Operation Larkwood was launched to tackle a surge in organised tool theft across London and South Essex.
The investigation reportedly 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.
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.
“Every tool protected and returned helps us maintain the high level of service that customers expect from Openreach.”
SelectaDNA has reportedly worked closely with Openreach for several years as part of a long‑term strategy to protect critical national infrastructure.
Their multi‑layered security approach is said to included SelectaDNA forensic coding, tamper‑resistant ID labels and secure asset registration, enabling quick verification of ownership during police investigations.
According to the companies, 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.
According to SelectaDNA, since 2024 the company 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 reported that it has hosted or supported over 40-tool forensic 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, Development Officer, SBD 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.”
