A CAR boot sale has banned power tools after The Sun helped to confront suspected “stolen goods” sellers.
The regular event had been branded a “den of thieves” by campaigners.
They urged bosses at the Hounslow Heath Car Boot Sale to enforce stronger checks on its vendors.
In a win for tradies, a sign has been put up at the gates reading: “No power tools can be sold at this car boot sale.”
Reform MP Robert Jenrick had visited the South West London market with us in November to quiz sellers on whether their tools were pinched.
Mr Jenrick, the Tory justice spokesman at the time, was told to “f*** off” and threatened by sellers.
In December, police seized around 400 tools with an estimated value of £8,000.
By January they had reunited £6,000-worth with their owners.
Two men, aged 54 and 55, and two boys of 15, were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and bailed.
Mr Jenrick said: “It’s good to finally see action being taken.
“Tool thieves destroy tradesmen’s lives nationwide.”
Campaigner Shoaib Awan said: “For years, this car boot has been associated with the sale of stolen tools and, too often, that reality was ignored.
“Today, after sustained police action we’re finally seeing change.”
