A 12-year-old boy was among five people arrested in connection with motorcycle thefts following dawn raids by police.
A specialist task force swooped on a number of properties in Sunderland on Tuesday morning as part of an investigation into a large-scale conspiracy to commit theft.
The Operation Benelli team have been gathering intelligence and carrying out surveillance as part of the probe which involves more than 30 offences and spans the Northumbria and Durham force areas.
Four men and the 12-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and currently remain in police custody.
The properties targeted were in Houghton-le-Spring, East Rainton, Hetton-le-Hole and Shiney Row.
Police have also seized three Transit vans and another vehicle believed to have been used in crime. In addition, three stolen motorcycles along with various tools and other items were found.
Det Insp Tam Fowler, who leads Operation Benelli, said: "This has been an excellent operation which has seen Operation Benelli working hand-in-hand with officers from southern area command and detectives from Durham Constabulary .
"As a result of the coordinated operation, we have five individuals in the cells and we will continue to speak to those individuals throughout the day.
"We have also seized a number of suspected stolen goods which will be important as we progress this investigation.
"We have done some fantastic work already in the Operation Benelli team to raise awareness of motorcycle thefts and the work we are doing around the clock to identify and pursue offenders.
"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."
Operation Benelli is made up of a number of experienced and specialist officers who review every incident where a motorcycle has been used in the commission of a crime and try to establish any patterns of behaviour.
Victims are also spoken to in a bid to build up an intelligence picture of those involved in the disorder.
