A SERIES of early morning raids saw suspected criminals rounded up and taken into custody this morning (Thursday January 24).

Cleveland Police’s Operation Sweep saw around 30 alleged offenders from across Teesside targeted in connection with a series of offences.

Following raids on addresses across the area – including properties in Grangetown, Port Clarence and Guisborough – nine arrests were made for a variety of alleged offences, including perverting the course of justice, burglary, shoplifting, metal theft and theft of a mobile phone.

A total of 30 police officers from across the area – including uniformed officers, neighbourhood policing teams and CID - were involved in the operation, designed to reduce offending and deal with outstanding arrest warrants relating to crimes in the Stockton area.

Operation Sweep was led by DCI Rob Donaghy who warned offenders and their friends and families that the police would not give up their pursuit.

He said: “The message is that there will be no let up from us. Anybody committing offences in Stockton will be dealt with.

"Those people who have friends and family who are offenders may think that they can give the police the run around because of some kind of misplaced loyalty, but they should know that we will be incessant in our efforts to locate these offenders and will leave no stone unturned.

"We will show up and we will search your house at any time of the day we think is appropriate.”