THE number of arrests and solved crimes is continuing to soar in east Cleveland as the result of a major police clampdown.

Detectives say the success of Operation Trident is growing as arrested criminals begin to implicate associates in other crimes.

More than 60 people have now been arrested in the Langbaurgh police district and more than 400 crimes have been solved.

Earlier this week, two people, a man aged 23 and a woman aged 32, were arrested after police found 24 wraps of amphetamine, two airguns, and equipment believed to be stolen, at a house in the district.

Detective superintendent Tom Stoddart said: "Trident is designed to tackle those responsible for burglaries, car crime, shoplifting and drugs, which cause misery within the community. We know who is responsible and they will be getting a knock on their door in the coming weeks.

"What we have found is that many criminals do not want to go to jail on their own and are implicating others."

"Trident has resulted in a significant reduction in burglaries in the Langbaurgh area, but we are not resting on our laurels. A close watch is being kept and any blips are immediately being responded to in order to prevent any resurgence of crime.

"Trident has been carefully planned and executed and is paying dividends in a major way. There are still many people to arrest. And our message to criminals in the area is simple: We are coming to lock you up."