Three arrested in rural crime operation

Three in the cells.

More than 20 officers from neighbourhoods, dog section, motorbikes and CID, were involved in a targeted operation to clamp down on rural burglaries yesterday morning.

Three men, aged 19, 23 and 26 were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary after raids at addresses across Weardale and Teesdale uncovered two quads believed to be stolen.

Officers also worked in partnership with Cumbria Constabulary tackling cross border offences and criminals.

These three arrests are just the start, with more expected to join them as a result of intense police work to target rural burglaries in recent months.

Inspector Andy Reeves said: “We will not tolerate criminals who try to target our rural communities and will relentlessly pursue all who think they can commit crime on our patch.

“We will continue to carry out these targeted operations and I want to thank Rurali members for their continued support.”