£2 million worth of stolen tools recovered in police operation

Neighbourhood officers from Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge were the first on scene to discover the £2 million haul in Ilford, which is believed to be the largest stash of stolen tools ever discovered in the UK.

Last week, it was reported by the construction company Balfour Beatty that equipment had been stolen from a site in Tilbury, Essex.

Met officers alongside specialist teams were able to track the stolen goods using a tracking device that was planted on the equipment to an address in Ilford. 

Local officers gained entry to the property and found a large quantity of stolen tools estimated to be worth £2 million. 

Three suspects have been arrested. 

It appears the suspects are part of an organised group who resell stolen items online and ship across the UK and to Europe.

Officers have now transferred the stolen property, amounting to 10 lorry loads, to a secure police premises where officers are working to identify the tools and trace their original owners.

It is estimated that some of the recovered goods are linked to thefts as far back as 2019. 

Local Investigation teams are now leading the investigation.

The Met is continuing to target tool thieves through intelligence-led operations as part of its continued commitment to reducing crime across London.

Watch the story on our social media: https://x.com/metpoliceuk/status/2016480773449105731?s=20

Inspector Mark Connolly, from the Met’s local policing team in East London, said:

“Today’s major seizure shows the serious impact tool theft has on tradespeople, businesses, and the UK’s infrastructure. The Met is targeting offenders at every level with national partners to track criminals and recover stolen equipment.

We urge companies and tradespeople to forensically mark their tools — it’s vital for securing convictions and getting stolen items returned.

This operation, one of the MPS’s largest, was driven by the tenacity of our officers and strong partnership working. The investigation continues, and we’ll be contacting anyone whose marked tools can be identified.

Tool theft destroys livelihoods and disrupts vital services. We must tackle it together to protect the people who keep the UK moving.”

The Met is continuing to target tool thieves through intelligence‑led operations, as part of its ongoing commitment to reducing crime across London and supporting communities affected by volume crime.

To share information with the investigation team or to contact officers, email EAMailbox.OpLarkwood@met.police.uk.

Register and mark your tools here: https://www.selectadna.co.uk/registration

Read more about how the Met is prioritising community crime-fighting as part of A New Met for London: Phase 2 here.