POLICE arrested 13 suspected thieves in 24 hours in a crack-down on post-Christmas burglaries in North Yorkshire.

In the early hours of Thursday, January 3 to the early hours of Friday, January 4, more than a dozen arrests were made in connection with separate break-ins and thefts across the county. They included suspects arrested in Cleveland and Bradford.

Detective Chief Inspector Heather Pearson who heads the force-wide burglary crackdown, Operation Haven, said: “Burglary is a major priority for North Yorkshire Police and these arrests send a very clear message to criminals that our determination to rid them from our communities is stronger than ever.

“The arrests are a culmination of excellent police work, working in partnership with other forces and information from members of the public.

“Criminals should take note that everyone is united in doing everything possible to stop them in their tracks, more arrests will follow.

“Burglary is not just about the loss of possessions, it can have a devastating and lasting effect on the homeowners, their family and within the nearby community.

“If you see any suspicious behaviour, no matter how insignificant you think it is, always act on your gut instinct and call the police, you could help to prevent a crime or catch a suspect.”

Among those in custody are three men arrested near Hartlepool following a two-in-one burglary in Ripon on January 3. A house was broken into Wemyss Road in the early hours and the thieves stole the occupant’s car keys and the car parked outside along with cash.

The stolen vehicle was spotted in the Hartlepool area and the occupants arrested by Cleveland Police. They include two men aged 24 and 29 from Ripon and a 24-year-old man from Sunderland. Others have been arrested on suspicion of burglary or theft from addresses in North Yorkshire, many of which were in York, and handling stolen goods.

Police are reminding people to not leave Christmas present packaging in view outside, to hide valuables, including car keys away from view and to remove ladders and tools from gardens which could be used to break into your property.

North Yorkshire Police say crime should be reported on 101. If you see a crime in progress, or your safety is threatened, dial 999.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.