A TOTAL of 18 arrests have been made in a number of high-profile police raids in Stockton.

The raids took place on Monday, as part of Operation Sabre, an intelligence-led operation to reduce crime and disorder.

More than 40 police officers from Stockton, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Langbaurgh, took part in the raids.

Operation Sabre is an on-going Cleveland Police campaign to reduce crime and reassure the public that criminals will be caught.

The arrests made on Monday were for alleged offences ranging from criminal damage to serious assault.

Detective Sergeant Steve Jermy said: "This has been a successful operation, which has resulted in a number of arrests.

"It demonstrates the police commitment not only to improving the quality of life for people in Stockton but reassuring them that those suspected of being involved in criminal activity will be traced, arrested and dealt with."