Police have recovered what may be the UK's largest ever haul of stolen tools after raiding an industrial unit in east London, with the stash valued at hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Officers discovered the vast collection of power tools, hand tools and construction equipment during a warrant execution at premises in Hainault, Redbridge. The Metropolitan Police described the find as potentially unprecedented in scale for a single location.
Two men have been arrested and remain in custody for questioning. The operation followed an intelligence-led investigation into organised tool theft targeting vans and building sites across London and the south-east.
The discovery strikes at the heart of a crime wave that devastates tradespeople and small businesses nationwide. Victims face not only the cost of replacing equipment but lost earnings whilst unable to work and higher insurance premiums. Many report suffering multiple thefts.
Police are now cataloguing the recovered items and attempting to reunite them with their owners. They're urging tradespeople who've had tools stolen to report incidents with detailed descriptions and serial numbers where available.
The raid represents a significant blow to criminal networks profiting from tool theft, according to the Met. Trade organisations have long called for tougher penalties and better victim support, highlighting the economic and emotional toll on workers and the broader economy.