A DETECTIVE is warning Middlesbrough's underworld to expect more arrests as a crackdown on burglaries continues.

Up to yesterday, there were 17 arrests of people on suspicion of burglary, handling stolen goods or assisting an offender across the town.

A 19-year-old man has been charged with vehicle interference, a 22-year-old man cautioned for burglary and a man in his late 20s was cautioned for assisting an offender.

A 24-year-old man was charged with burglary and handling stolen goods.

A 33-year-old man has been charged in connection with three burglaries at Middlesbrough's Pysche store, as well as drugs offences and a further theft from a shop.

A 33-year-old woman was arrested for shoplifting and released on police bail.

A 27-year-old man was charged with aggravated burglary, two counts of common assault and one of criminal damage. A 28-year-old man has been charged with aggravated burglary and criminal damage.

Other men arrested as a result of Operation Castle, which was carried out across Middlesbrough this week, were released without charge. All are aged between 18 and 24.

Detective Inspector Chris Sadler, of Middlesbrough CID, said: "Our efforts will continue for the foreseeable future and my message to those involved in house burglary and handling stolen goods is this - expect more raids to come."