We’ve spent the past six weeks restoring stolen power tools recovered during enforcement action in Bedfordshire to their rightful owners. 

We carried out the warrants in Kempston Hardwick, Cardington and Potton in December. Investigations are continuing. 

Now officers from our Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) have used serial numbers and Smartwater identification technology to return the tools. 

Smartwater is a liquid that can be used on property. It’s invisible to the naked eye but can be identified in ultraviolet light and each example is unique so individual items can be returned. 

It’s a brilliant way of deterring thieves and, if the worst happens, it helps us return your property if we recover it. 

We rely on information we receive from the public to build a picture of offending. You can report anything suspicious online at https://www.beds.police.uk/ro/report/ or call 101.