A crackdown on the sale of stolen tools is underway across two counties.

Code named Operation Generator, the initiative has been launched to "disrupt" the stolen tools market across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Police and crime commissioner Rupert Matthews has reportedly invested £54,000 into the "intelligence-led" scheme, with the intention of using a "preventative approach" to disturb routes used by offenders to "dispose of stolen goods".

Cases of tool theft are on the rise across the area, according to Leicestershire police, sometimes causing "devastating" financial and emotional harm.

"Tool theft is not a minor inconvenience – it is a direct attack on people's livelihoods," Mr Matthews said.

"Too many tradespeople across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have had tools stolen from their vans and work sites, leaving them unable to work and support their families.

"This operation is a direct response to those concerns. We know that stolen tools are often sold on quickly, sometimes in plain sight within our communities. That is completely unacceptable.

"I refuse to allow organised criminals to profit from the misery they cause. By targeting the places where stolen goods are sold, we are cutting off the market that drives this crime in the first place."

advertisement

The commissioner's investment is being used to fund overtime costs for officers and PCSOs to "carry out patrols at selected sites", without detracting from core neighbourhood policing duties. Property marking kits and other additional security measures are also being distributed with the funding.

"Through targeted enforcement, visible patrols and engagement with traders and the public, we aim to protect our communities, support victims and make it increasingly difficult for offenders to operate across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland," operation Chief Inspector Neil Whittle said.

Residents are also being encouraged to "play their part" in the operation by marking property and reporting suspicious activity.