£80,000 worth of suspected stolen tools seized at west London car boot sale
Two men, aged 55 and 54, along with two 15-year-old boys, were arrested.
About £80,000 worth of suspected stolen tools were confiscated at Hounslow Heath Car Boot Sale in west London on 11th December.
Around 400 power tools, including drills, nail guns, electric saws, and a concrete mixer, were recovered in the proactive operation conducted by Metropolitan Police officers.
Two men, aged 55 and 54, along with two 15-year-old boys, were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. They have since been bailed while investigations continue.
What are police doing to combat tool theft?
Superintendent James Rawlinson of the Met’s Hounslow neighbourhood policing team explained that tackling tool theft is a priority in response to the concerns of tradespeople.
“We are listening to Londoner’s concerns about tool theft because we understand the significant impact it has on tradespeople and their livelihoods," Rawlinson said.
“We are targeting the prolific offenders and organised criminal groups that drive this trade in stolen tools through proactive, intelligence-led operations.
“We are also ramping up our efforts around prevention, carrying out regular tool marking events across London to make it harder for criminals to sell stolen goods."
Continued efforts leading to results
The Met confirmed that officers are working to identify the seized tools and locate their rightful owners.
Efforts to combat tool theft appear to be making an impact, with reports of theft from vehicles dropping by 20.3 per cent between April and early December compared to last year.
In earlier operations at boot sales in Romford and Rainham, more than £500,000 worth of stolen tools were recovered, and arrests were made.
Tradespeople and those using power tools are encouraged to take steps to protect their property. Police recommend marking tools, taking photographs, and recording serial numbers to improve the chances of recovery in case of theft.