Response officers were called to the Mansfield Woodhouse area after receiving reports of suspicious behaviour.
A group wearing balaclavas were reportedly spotted using a chainsaw to damage metal gates near Yeoman Hill Park at around midnight on Monday (27 February).
Following a search of the area, officers stopped a group matching the description of the suspects in Station Street minutes later.
A bag containing a circular saw and a hammer were then found – as were two knives, four balaclavas and four sets of black gloves.
Four male suspects, aged 18, 16, 16 and 16, were all arrested for going equipped to steal.
The 18-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article, while one of the 16-year-old suspects was arrested for criminal damage.
Another one of the 16-year-olds was also arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
Sergeant Neil Priestley, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Thanks to the alertness of our officers, we were able to quickly locate a group who had reportedly been seen acting suspiciously minutes earlier.
“As a result of this stop, we were able to seize two knives, as well as some tools we suspect were intended to be used to carry out a theft.
“Clearly, this type of behaviour isn’t acceptable and won’t be tolerated by Nottinghamshire Police, as these four arrests should show.
“We are still investigating this incident, so we’d ask anyone with any further information to call the police on 101, quoting incident 4 of 27 February 2023.”
More news from Mansfield
