Two 15-year-old boys have been arrested following a police operation that recovered an estimated £80,000 worth of suspected stolen power tools at a West London car boot sale.
Major Haul at Hounslow Heath
The significant discovery was made on Tuesday, 11 December during a raid at the Hounslow Heath Car Boot Sale. Officers seized approximately 400 items believed to have been stolen from tradespeople across the capital.
The haul included a wide array of professional equipment such as:
- Power drills
- Nail guns
- Electric saws
- A concrete mixer
Four Suspects in Custody
Alongside the two teenagers, two men aged 54 and 55 were also detained at the scene. All four individuals were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that each suspect has been released on bail while enquiries continue. Officers are now working to identify the recovered tools and trace their rightful owners.
Police Crackdown on Tool Theft
Superintendent James Rawlinson, from the Hounslow neighbourhood policing team, emphasised the force's focus on tackling this type of crime. "We are listening to Londoner’s concerns about tool theft because we understand the significant impact it has on tradespeople and their livelihoods," he stated.
Rawlinson outlined the dual approach being taken: "We are targeting the prolific offenders and organised criminal groups that drive this trade 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."
The police are urging all tradespeople to take preventative steps to protect their equipment:
- Mark tools with a unique identifier.
- Take clear photographs of all equipment.
- Record serial numbers securely.
These measures significantly increase the chances of property being returned if stolen.
A Wider Trend of Reduction
The operation forms part of a broader Metropolitan Police initiative against tool theft. A force spokesperson revealed that thefts of tools and other items from vehicles fell by 20.3% between April and the start of December this year, compared to the same period in 2024.
This follows other major successes, including an earlier operation where officers seized over £500,000 worth of stolen tools at two large-scale boot sales and associated premises in Romford and Rainham.
The Met describes these efforts as part of its "continued commitment" to reducing crime across London, using intelligence to guide targeted actions against those profiting from the trade in stolen goods.
