Haul of stolen tools worth 2m uncovered by Met Police which 'would have caused delay to Thames Crossing'

"Police chiefs believe it to be the largest stash of stolen tools ever discovered in the UK the equivalent of ten lorry loads with six or seven rooms filled with the stolen instruments. On January 14, officers discovered a huge stockpile of tools and machinery, with an estimated value of around 2 million, they said. Two suspects were arrested at the scene, with a third suspect identified and arrested at another address where more stolen tools and equipment were discovered."

"Too many tradespeople are being put out of work and out of pocket by organised tool thieves. Operations like this show that the Met is taking action to protect tradespeople and their livelihoods. This is one of the largest recoveries of stolen tools we've ever made, and it sends a clear message that we will identify offenders and bring them to justice."

Police recovered what is believed to be the largest stash of stolen tools ever found in the UK, occupying six or seven rooms and equivalent to ten lorry loads. Officers discovered the stockpile on January 14 and estimated its value at around 2 million. Two suspects were arrested at the scene and a third was arrested at another address where additional stolen equipment was found. Investigators suspect an organised group resold items online and shipped them across the UK and Europe. Some tools are linked to thefts dating back to 2019 and included equipment taken from Lower Thames Crossing contractors. Recovered items have been moved to secure premises for identification and return to owners.

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