Police in west London have confiscated power tools valued at over £80,000, believed to be stolen, at a car boot sale.

The Metropolitan Police reported that around 400 tools, including power drills, nail guns, electric saws, and a concrete mixer, were retrieved from Hounslow Heath Car Boot Sale during a “proactive and intelligence-led operation.”

Authorities arrested two men, aged 55 and 54, along with two 15-year-old boys, on suspicion of possessing stolen goods; they have been released on bail while investigations continue.

Superintendent James Rawlinson, part of the Hounslow local neighbourhood policing team, expressed the force’s awareness of the “significant impact” that theft has on the livelihoods of tradespeople. He emphasized that police are focusing on “prolific offenders and organized criminal groups” responsible for tool thefts and are enhancing preventative measures through regular tool-marking events throughout London, making it more difficult to resell stolen items.

The arrests occurred on December 11 at the car boot sale, and the Met Police are currently working to connect the seized tools with their rightful owners.

The car boot sale’s website warns vendors that any individuals found selling stolen or counterfeit items will be “asked to leave and barred from future participation.” They also indicate that vehicle registrations of suspected sellers will be shared with law enforcement.

Earlier this year, police seized over £500,000 worth of stolen tools during operations at two significant car boot sales and related locations in Romford and Rainham, according to the Met.

The police noted a 20% decrease in thefts of tools and other items from vehicles between April and early December compared to the same timeframe last year.