There will be a chance to protect tools and other equipment safe against theft at a free event being run in Porthleven next week.

RGB Building Supplies’ Porthleven branch is working with the police to hold the event on Monday, May 13.

Between 10am and 1pm officers will be in the branch at Methleigh Bottoms giving advice and handing out free tool marking kits supplied by RGB.

The kits help deter theft, make it more difficult for stolen equipment to be sold on, and help reunite tools with their owners.

Visitors can also pick up stickers to put in vehicles warning that there are no items of value inside.

Kim Foster, crime prevention officer at Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “We cannot impress on people enough the value of property marking. Should the worst happen, and tools are stolen, marking them will increase the chance of having them returned.

“We suggest that items are marked with a house number and postcode either with a UV pen, by etching, engraving or forensically as we are offering.

“The forensic marking product offered at this event lasts for at least five years outdoors. It has been used across the country by other police services in initiatives that have seen a reduction in offences.

“We want offenders to know that the marked tools will be more difficult for them to sell on and the risk of being caught in Devon and Cornwall has increased significantly.

“We’d like to thank RGB Building Supplies for supporting the initiative and we commend the company’s commitment to reducing the chances of their customers becoming victims of crime.”

Branch manager Lee Atkinson said staff were keen to support their customers’ livelihoods by adding to the services offered.

“Tool theft can have a devastating impact on business, disrupting work schedules, affecting customer relations and causing a huge amount of stress.

“We’re therefore pleased to be working with Devon and Cornwall Police to help to deter thefts by covering the cost of the tool marking kits and the stickers, and we look forward to welcoming people along on the day,” he said.