SelectaDNA Supports Met Police Operation Uncovering UK’s Largest-Ever Stolen Tools Haul

SelectaDNA Supports Met Police Operation Uncovering UK’s Largest-Ever Stolen Tools Haul 

SelectaDNA has supported a major Metropolitan Police operation, uncovering what is believed to be the largest stash of stolen tools ever discovered in the UK, with an estimated value of £2 million. 

Upon gaining entry to a suspected property in Ilford, east London, police discovered the stolen equipment alongside a vast quantity of additional tools and machinery believed to be stolen from across the UK. In total, the recovered items filled approximately 10 lorry loads. Two suspects were arrested at the scene, with a third suspect later identified and arrested at a separate address, where further stolen tools were recovered. 

A long-term partnership to #StopToolTheft

SelectaDNA worked closely with the Metropolitan Police throughout the investigation, supporting officers with intelligence and expertise around the identification of tools marked with synthetic DNA. This operation continues our ongoing partnership with the Met as part of the #StopToolTheft campaign, through which we have protected over 200,000 tools with SelectaDNA tool marking kits.  

The suspects are believed to be part of an organised criminal group involved in reselling stolen tools online and distributing them across the UK and Europe. 

Tools found to be marked with SelectaDNA

Items suspected to be marked with SelectaDNA were found at the scene, and will now play a vital part in supporting the investigation. 

Sergeant Dave Catlow, who was at the scene throughout the week-long operation, said: 

“This was a complex, intelligence-led operation that required sustained work from officers, supported by partners like SelectaDNA and NCATT who were able to assist with the identification of stolen goods. Organised tool theft has a real impact on tradespeople and the construction industry, and tackling it effectively relies on strong collaboration. 

“Using accredited forensic marking solutions helps strengthen investigations, support evidence gathering, and deliver tangible outcomes - including significant recoveries of stolen tools in this case.” 

Ongoing efforts to deliver real results 

The recovered tools have now been transferred to secure police premises, where officers are working to identify the equipment and reunite it with its rightful owners.  

SelectaDNA continues to work in close partnership with police forces, construction firms and tradespeople to disrupt organised criminal networks, prevent theft through effective warning labels, and help ensure stolen tools can be forensically linked back to offenders and returned to those who rely on them.