Suspected members of a sophisticated 'high-value' safe cracker gang, which brought misery to more than 30 pubs and shops were arrested after detectives busted homes on the Wirral.
The gang helped themselves to safes after breaking into the premises across the UK.
The six suspects are now in police custody after the morning raids in Prenton , Noctorum, Heswall and Birkenhead on Thursday morning.
Cheshire Police carried out the raids with support from Merseyside Police and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Police say the operation today is the culmination of a lengthy and complex investigation into more than 30 burglaries at pubs and retail stores across the UK where safes have been targeted.
The men - aged 19, 22, 24, 33, 42 and 45 - were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary.
These include break-ins in Ellesmere Port , Neston, Helsby, Chester and Macclesfield.
Police say there have also been a number of burglaries in Wirral, Staffordshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, North Wales, Dyfed Powys and West Mercia as well as two residential burglaries and a number of thefts from motor vehicles.
The investigation has been co-ordinated by detectives from Ellesmere Port and Chester CID, with support from colleagues from Cheshire’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit.
Detective Sergeant Graeme Carvell, who has led the investigation, said: “Today’s arrests follow a lengthy and complex investigation focusing on a large number of incidents across the country – believed to be up to 39 separate offences.
“It appears that these particular incidents, which include more than 30 burglaries at pubs and retail stores, have been carefully planned and co-ordinated and have spanned eight separate police forces across England and Wales.”
All of the men arrested this morning are currently in police custody helping officers with their enquiries.
A number of addresses are currently being searched as part of the ongoing investigation.
Chief Inspector Alex McMillan, who is in charge of policing in Ellesmere Port, said: “The work leading up to and including today’s strike phase is testament to the dedication and commitment by officers and staff to disrupt criminal activity and to continue to keep our communities safe.”
