Tradies said stolen tools are emptying their pockets as insurance doesn't cover them.
On Friday morning PlaceMakers played host to tool engraving as around 300 tradies lined up to protect their expensive equipment.
Ultraspec building systems foreman Willie said having to replace tools constantly is expensive.
"My insurance only covered me if [my tools] were in the van, so if it was on site it wasn't covered, so more or less you have to replace it yourself."
Police said they were cracking down on trade tool thefts by putting as many preventative measures in place as they could.
Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniels said engraving helps return expensive tools to their rightful owner but issued a warning about purchasing tools in the first place.
"Make sure you buy your tools from reputable places rather than shady deals - if we can stop the receiving we can stop a lot of that [tool theft]"
