Doors went in across Merseyside this morning during police raids targeting crooks who have helped themselves to top of the range cars and jewellery in a series of house break-ins.
Footage from the dawn busts show one man being lead away in handcuffs and police storming a property during the simultaneous raids at four houses in Netherton and a property in Bolton.
The swoops were part of Operation Coliseum a large scale conspiracy investigation by Merseyside Police amid more than 30 burglaries and attempt burglaries between the middle of January and April 5 this year in which what police termed "high performance motor vehicles" and jewellery were stolen.
Raiders have targeted homes in Formby, Birkdale, Southport, Blundellsands and Hightown as well as Cheshire, Lancashire and North Wales.
Today Merseyside Police confirmed two suspected burglars had been arrested as a result of the morning raids today.
They are a 30 year-old man from Netherton and a 31 year-old man from Bolton, Greater Manchester.
They are both currently in custody where they will be questioned by detectives.
As part of the burglaries probe officers have also been working alongside One Vision Housing to carry out searches of unoccupied garages in the Netherton.
Detective Inspector Tony O’Brien said: “This is an extensive investigation into more than 30 burglaries that took place across the North West region between January and April this year.
“The Op Castle team has spent considerable time carrying out enquiries in relation to the burglaries in conjunction with our colleagues in neighbouring forces which has led to today’s warrants.
“We regularly act on information from those communities affected by burglary across Merseyside and I would encourage people to come forward if they know anything about suspected burglary and the sale of stolen goods where they live. If you provide the information we will act on all information provided. “
Police say always call 999 if a burglary is in progress. You can also pass information to the social media desk @MerPolCC, call 101 or you can call or the independent charity @CrimestoppersUK anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Further advice on keeping your home secure can be found here: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/residential-burglary/
