Almost certainly yes a warrant could eventually have been obtained. UK law (well English and Welsh law at least -- I can't speak of Scottish law) tends to err

Almost certainly yes a warrant could eventually have been obtained. UK law (well English and Welsh law at least -- I can't speak of Scottish law) tends to err on the side of "catch the bad guys" rather than personal freedom. Most people here argue that if you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear and would not object to a police search of their own property. EDIT Also I see that the article says that two of the men were arrested whilst (driving?) with some of the loot. I'm not sure of the current status of stop and search but I'm fairly sure that the police have rather broad powers that don't require a warrant to search people outside of their home. Usual disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. I'm definitely not your lawyer. If you are looking for legal advice then hire a solicitor. Other disclaimer: I'm in the minority that thinks that everyone has something to hide -- even if only their bank details.