diff --git a/pcbnew/tools/position_relative_tool.cpp b/pcbnew/tools/position_relative_tool.cpp
index 415913addc..0ab40f97df 100644
--- a/pcbnew/tools/position_relative_tool.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/tools/position_relative_tool.cpp
@@ -170,6 +170,9 @@ int POSITION_RELATIVE_TOOL::PositionRelativeInteractively( const TOOL_EVENT& aEv
             positionRelativeClientSelectionFilter,
             !m_isFootprintEditor /* prompt user regarding locked items */ );
 
+    if( selection.Empty() )
+        return 0;
+
     if( m_isFootprintEditor && !frame()->GetModel() )
         return 0;