Tradesmen and women in Royston and the surrounding villages are urged to get their tools marked at Therfield Heath on Saturday after a rise of tool thefts in the area.

The event, where police officers will be able to engrave tools free of charge to help make them more easily identifiable and less attractive to thieves, is being held as part of a crime prevention initiative by the town’s safer neighbourhood team.

Police community support officer Robyn Allen, who is organising the event, said: “Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in tool thefts from vehicles in Royston recently.

“We are working hard to tackle this type of crime and hope that people will take advantage of this free service to help deter would-be thieves.

“Engraving or marking your tools makes them less attractive to thieves, and also easier to return if they are stolen and later recovered by police.

“The service has already proved extremely popular in other areas and we hope to see as many people as possible on the day.”

Further tool-marking events are planned, and officers will also continue to make visits to anyone they think may benefit from the service.

If you cannot get to the event – which is taking place between 10am and 2pm at Therfield Heath car park – but would like to get your tools marked, contact the safer neighbourhood team on 01707 354192 or email SNTroystonandroystonrural@herts.pnn.police.uk.