Police put the bite on Congleton's thieves in major crackdown (From Warrington Guardian)

Police put the bite on Congleton's thieves in major crackdown

POLICE officers Carol Rayner and Lee Walker are pictured keeping a tight grip on a slippery customer.

The ceramic crocodile being held by the PCs is part of a major haul of stolen property recovered by Congleton police.

The haul was the result of a swoop by 20 police officers on addresses in Congleton on Tuesday.

A total of six people have been arrested and police are expected to bring charges in connection with the stolen property.

The stolen property is estimated to be worth £10,000 and comprises scores of items including Royal Doulton figures, jewellery and a 42-inch plasma television taken from Congleton businesses.

Sgt Matt Todd, from Congleton Police, said the haul was one of the largest amounts of stolen property

recovered recently.

He said the police operation carried out on Tuesday sent out a clear message to criminals and those in possession of stolen property.

"We are working with the public and other agencies and we will find you," he said.

He praised the public for their vital role in providing information vital to this week's operation.

"Without the help of the public we would not have recovered any of this property," he said.

Sgt Todd encouraged members of the public to ring the confidential Crimestoppers hotline 0800 555 111.

Officers carried out search warrants simultaneously at addresses in Congleton at 1pm.

Sgt Gareth Woods said that Tuesday's action by police would have a serious impact on the small group of

individuals in Congleton responsible for committing burglaries.