Eight men have been arrested following a series of dawn raids in Cheshire and Merseyside.
Police executed raids at addressed in Widnes and St Helens at around 8am on Wednesday, June 3.
The arrests are linked to an investigation into burglary and theft incidents aross Cheshire and Merseyside.
Two teenagers, aged 18, and the others aged 24, 25, 29, 30, 50 and 58, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft and burglary.
After being questioned in custody, all eight have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Officers carried out searches at seven addresses.
They also seized two vehicles believed to have been used to commit crimes and what is believed to be stolen property.
Detective Inspector Ian Whiley, of Widnes Local Policing Unit (LPU), said: “The raids – six in Widnes and one in St Helens – were carried out as part of Cheshire Constabulary’s ongoing mission to bring those involved in serious and organised crime to justice.
“They followed extensive enquiries regarding a number of burglaries and thefts across Cheshire and Merseyside.
“Officers from Widnes LPU have been gathering evidence and intelligence behind the scenes and the extensive work has now led to eight men being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglaries and thefts.
“I hope that this operation reassures communities that we are committed to doing all we can to tackle this type of criminality.”
DI Whiley added: “Now that the properties have been searched, further evidence has been gathered and the men have been released on conditional bail, we will progress our investigation accordingly.”
