Eleven people have been arrested after a specialist crackdown on anti-social behaviour and motorcycle theft.

A team of officers executed dawn raids at a number of properties in Sunderland on Monday (October 3), as part of an investigation into a large-scale conspiracy to commit theft and cause disorder.

The dedicated team, based at Southwick Police Station, have been gathering intelligence and carrying out covert surveillance as part of the wide-scale probe which saw suspects getting an early wake-up call from officers.

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Ten males, aged between 14 and 36, and one 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of a range of offences including theft of motor vehicle, affray and concerned in offer to supply controlled drugs.

Eight of the men have been released under police bail and the remaining three people were released under investigation which enquiries continue.

As part of the investigation, police have seized several items including a firearm, mobile phones, a quantity of suspected amphetamine, machetes, £5,000 in cash and two motorcycles.

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Neighbourhood Inspector Phil Baker, who led on the day of action, praised the hard work of the officers involved and reassures the public activity like this will continue.

He said: “This has been an excellent operation which has seen dedication from everyone involved.

“As a result of the coordinated operation, we have arrested 11 individuals and our enquiries will continue.

“Some of the people arrested are believed to have been causing significant issues for the local community and are now facing potential criminal charges for their actions.

“We have also seized a number of suspected stolen and dangerous items which will be important as we progress this investigation.

“We have done some fantastic work already however, that work will continue over the coming weeks and months, and our message to those involved in motorcycle crime is simple – we are looking for you, and we will be knocking on your door soon.”

We urge anyone with concerns or information which may help officers target this type of criminality to get in touch with police via the ‘Tell us Something’ page of the website.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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