28/01/2026
Tool Theft
Well done everyone we are super proud of our Sidcup team 💜
Today LBC and several other media outlets have covered a significant Metropolitan Police operation in which ten lorry loads of stolen tools—valued at approximately £2 million—were uncovered at a site in Essex.
Officers discovered six to seven rooms filled with stolen equipment linked to major construction firms, including Balfour Beatty. Victims have been identified from across the country, including within Bexley, but there remains a substantial quantity of tools still awaiting identification and rightful return.
This operation was supported by our own officers, Sergeant Catlow, PC Austin and PC Roach, who provided expert knowledge and played a key role in progressing the investigation. Their contribution reflects highly on our teams and the wider BCU.
Given the scale of the thefts and the impact on businesses—particularly self‑employed tradespeople—please consider sharing this update with friends, family and local networks. Wider awareness may help identify additional victims and support the ongoing inquiry.
Crime Prevention Advice: Marking and Protecting Tools To help reduce tool theft and increase the chances of property being returned:
Mark tools clearly with a unique identifier such as initials and postcode, or a company name.
Use forensic marking solutions (e.g. SelectaDNA) to provide a traceable link back to the owner.
Record serial numbers and take photos of valuable items—this greatly assists identification and recovery.
Store tools securely, using lockable boxes, cages, and alarms where possible.
Remove tools from vehicles overnight, as this remains a common target for organised criminal groups.
