By Nikki Jarvis

nikki.jarvis@essnmedia.co.uk

Raids were carried out in Croydon's burglary hotspots yesterday (Wednesday) and eight people were arrested as part of a crackdown on the crime.

Police stepped up their battle against burglary across the borough as part of Operation Bumblebee.

Nine warrants were executed in Croydon, with officers targeting addresses with suspected links to burglary, stolen goods and drugs.

The eight people were arrested during these raids for offences including handling stolen goods, money laundering and possession of Class A drugs.

The raids were carried out by officers from Croydon's burglary and drugs squads as well as officers from the Met's Territorial Support Group (TSG).

They took place in hotspot wards for breaking and entering, Upper Norwood, Broad Green, Selhurst, West Thornton and Croham.

Inspector Ian Anderson, who leads Croydon's burglary squad, said: "The activity is part of our ongoing efforts to tackle burglary in Croydon, but residents still need to help us by keeping their homes secure and telling us about suspicious activity in their area.

"There are still a high percentage of burglaries happening in homes with open windows or doors, and these can be prevented by simply locking up properly.

"It may also surprise residents that the little bits of information that they might not think twice about could really help us with our investigations in catching these burglars.

"Please get in touch if you see people acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood."

An automatic number plate recognition operation was also set up in Long Lane, Addiscombe, which targeted vehicles known to be connected with burglary.

A total of 42 vehicles were stopped with three seized by police for not having insurance and three fixed penalty notices handed out to drivers.

Anyone with information on burglaries or suspicious behaviour can call Croydon police on 0300 123 1212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.