Officers from Kent Police’s Rural Task Force made seven arrests in Cranbrook after seizing stolen items. Among those arrested were five local men aged 18 to 44, a 19-year-old woman, and a 17-year-old boy, all suspected of multiple theft-related offenses. They have been bailed pending further investigation.
The arrests followed a search prompted by a frustrated owner who fitted a power drill with a tracking device to combat repeated thefts of tools. The haul, valued at over £500,000, was discovered as a result of this initiative.
Kent Police Confiscate Large Cache of Stolen Construction Tools (Credits: Construction Index)
Efforts are now underway to return the stolen tools to their rightful owners. Police Sergeant Ross Haybourne emphasized the importance of cataloging the items and advised individuals to provide proof of ownership or purchase when claiming them. This process is expected to be time-consuming, and the public’s patience is appreciated.
In light of this incident, tradespeople and tool owners are urged to take preventative measures such as marking their property, taking photographs, and recording serial numbers. Prompt reporting of thefts with detailed information is also advised to enhance the chances of property recovery.
