Firstly, the advice to put the tools in the car, fair enough,keeps all happy,pc goes away and very unlikely to return.
secondly, there was no need to take your tools to a police station,each query of use and possession of a tool is subject to the circumstances at the time.
you will most probably get them back with the advice to keep things discreet.(the police won't want to appear weak and unknowledgeable,so as far as they're concerned the items are in safe keeping pending enquiries.)
As said ignorance of the law is of no defence whatsoever.
Tom
(retired scots constable and advocate of common sense, although I reserve the right to blame mid life crisis atany meets,lol)