Bromley and Kent Police burglary crackdown nets 17 arrests (From News Shopper)

Bromley and Kent Police burglary crackdown nets 17 arrests

3:35pm Friday 19th October 2012 in News By Robert Fisk

SEVENTEEN people have been arrested in a joint operation between Bromley and Kent Police which targeted suspected burglars in Mottingham, Orpington and Maidstone.

A large quantity of stolen property, including laptops and electrical equipment, was recovered along with quantities of Class A and Class B drugs and numerous mobile phones.

The suspects were arrested yesterday (October 18) on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and suspicion of conspiracy to handle stolen goods.

They all remain in custody at police stations across south London and Kent.

The raids on 17 properties were targeted at those reportedly to be responsible for a total of 48 burglaries across Kent and London with a number of offences relating to ‘car key burglaries’, where high value or high powered vehicles were stolen.

Bromley borough commander Steph Roberts said: “This operation has targeted those suspected of being behind the recent increase in burglaries across the borough.

“Criminals do not recognise any borders and it is important that we coordinate our policing operations with colleagues from neighbouring police forces. “By joining up our activity with Kent Police, as we have with the raids, we can target the whole network responsible and make a significant impact on this problem.”

Kent Police’s deputy chief constable Alan Pughsley said: “Kent Police, in a co-ordinated operation with the Metropolitan Police Service, have carried out a series of warrants in a campaign to arrest those we suspect are responsible for burglaries in Kent and London. “This is just the start, we will continue to be targeting burglars, working with the Metropolitan Police and other forces to ensure those who commit these crimes are found and arrested.”