THREE people from north Kent have been arrested so far today as part of a campaign to stamp out crime by Kent and Essex police forces.

The offenders are among the 91 arrested so far across Kent and Essex in the serious crime directorate day of action.

The scheme, run in partnership between police forces in Kent and Essex, is the first big event of its kind under the partnership.

Hundreds of officers from the two forces are taking part in a series of raids throughout the day to attack serious and organised crime.

The operation, named ‘operation zinc’, particularly targets crimes like burglary, handling stolen goods and drugs supply.

Among those arrested in north Kent are a 31-year-old woman from Dartford for theft, a 30-year-old man from Dartford for burglary and theft and a 20-year-old man from Northfleet for possession of drugs and theft of a vehicle.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Pughsley, who leads the Kent & Essex serious crime directorate, said: “As Christmas approaches, we have taken a number of criminals off the streets so they cannot ruin the festive period. We will not tolerate criminals causing harm in our communities.

“The message we're sending out today is don't commit crime in Kent & Essex - we will catch you and bring you to justice.

“People can’t commit crimes here. We will be targeting them.

“Our policing aim is to make you safe where you are, stop people causing harm, stop people causing criminality.”