A major new crackdown on the sale of stolen power tools at car boot sales has been launched across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland

PCC funds crackdown on stolen tools following thefts from tradespeople’s vans and work sites

A major new crackdown on the sale of stolen power tools at car boot sales has been launched across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, directly in response to a rise in thefts from tradespeople’s vans and work sites across the country.

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has invested almost £54k in Operation Generator to tackle the growing problem, which has seen tradespeople targeted by criminals stealing tools essential to their livelihoods and then attempting to sell them on locally.

The multi-agency operation is focussing on disrupting the resale of stolen property, particularly at car boot sales, where intelligence and community feedback suggest some stolen tools and other property are being traded.

The initiative comes after ongoing concerns raised by tradespeople and the wider public to the PCC about the theft of tools from vehicles and sites, and the devastating financial and emotional impact these crimes have on victims.

Working with key partner agencies, Leicestershire Police is delivering an intelligence-led and preventative approach to disrupt the routes used by offenders to dispose of stolen goods.

Officers have already identified six priority car boot locations across the force area for the first phase of the operation. Activity includes high-visibility patrols, engagement with sellers and buyers, the distribution of crime prevention advice and free property marking kits, alongside a targeted public awareness campaign.

In the final phase, the force will carry out targeted enforcement activity at key locations, including joint operations with partners such as Trading Standards, to disrupt offenders, recover stolen property and tackle wider criminality.

These efforts form part of wider work to address burglary and acquisitive crime in the area, with a particular focus on protecting tradespeople who rely on expensive equipment to earn a living.

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: “Tool theft is not a minor inconvenience: it is a direct attack on people’s livelihoods.

Too many tradespeople across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have had tools stolen from their vans and work sites, leaving them unable to work and support their families.

“This operation is a direct response to those concerns. We know that stolen tools are often sold on quickly, sometimes in plain sight within our communities. That is completely unacceptable.

“I refuse to allow organised criminals to profit from the misery they cause. By targeting the places where stolen goods are sold, we are cutting off the market that drives this crime in the first place.

“Alongside enforcement, we are also making sure the public understands that buying stolen goods, even unknowingly, supports criminal networks. If we reduce demand, we reduce theft.”

The Commissioner’s investment is funding overtime costs for officers and PCSOs to carry out patrols at selected sites, ensuring the operation does not detract from core neighbourhood policing.

Funding will also support the distribution of SmartWater property marking kits and home security kits, as well as a high-profile communications campaign reinforcing the risks and consequences of handling stolen goods.

The aim of the operation is to reduce the theft and resale of high-value items, particularly power tools, protect tradespeople, deter offenders and prevent future offences by removing the opportunity for criminals to profit.

Residents are also being encouraged to play their part by taking simple preventative measures, including marking property and reporting suspicious activity.

Heading up the operation, Inspector Neil Whittle said: “This operation sends a clear message that Leicestershire Police is committed to tackling the sale of stolen goods and disrupting those who seek to profit from crime.

Through targeted enforcement, visible patrols and engagement with traders and the public, we aim to protect our communities, support victims and make it increasingly difficult for offenders to operate across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

“We have already seen positive results during the first week of the operation, and in the coming weeks we will be increasing patrols and strengthening our work with partner agencies to identify offenders, gather intelligence and further reduce opportunities for criminals to profit from theft.”

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