PCC sees police crack down on stolen tools and counterfeit goods at car boot sale

Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards joined a police operation at a car boot sale at the weekend to crack down on the sale of stolen tools, shoplifted items and counterfeit goods.

The East Herts Neighbourhood Policing Team organised and carried out the activity in close partnership with Hertfordshire Trading Standards.

The joint operation was a proactive response to growing concerns from local tradespeople, shopkeepers and members of the public about where stolen and counterfeit items are being sold.

The event at a boot sale in Great Amwell, East Herts, demonstrated the value of coordinated enforcement work between police and local authority partners to tackle crime affecting both individuals and legitimate businesses.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash Edwards attended to speak directly with officers and enforcement teams on the ground, as well as stallholders and members of the public.

A number of items were seized including vapes, clothing and perfume. Checks were also conducted on those selling power tools.

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan-Ash Edwards said:

‘I’ve spoken to tradespeople whose vans were broken into overnight and had thousands of pounds’ worth of tools stolen. Tool theft doesn’t just cost money—it can take away a person’s livelihood. That’s why I’m glad to see the police taking proactive steps to identify stolen items, trace their origins, and hold offenders to account.

‘Car boot sales can also be used to sell on shoplifted items fuelling the trade in criminal activity. That’s why I wanted to see this operation take place — to send a clear message that this kind of illegal activity won’t be tolerated in Hertfordshire. If you deal in stolen or dangerous goods, action will be taken.

‘Today was also an excellent example of partnership working in action. By bringing together the police and Trading Standards, we’re making sure that those who profit from crime are identified and potentially dangerous items are taken out of circulation.’

Recently the PCC launched his new Police and Crime Plan, Fighting Crime, Making Hertfordshire Safer. This includes commitments to make officers visible and focused on local concerns; preventing crime and targeting hotspots to disrupt persistent offending; and making Hertfordshire safer through strong partnerships, early intervention and visible enforcement.