Police crackdown targeted burglary suspects

Twenty people were arrested; of these 11 were charged with conspiracy to commit burglaries between November 2008 and February 2010 and one was charged with drug offences.

The remaining eight were bailed pending inquiries.

This operation was aimed at disrupting an organised criminal group operating from Bradford but committing offences across West Yorkshire.

Officers from Bradford South Division, Crime Division and the Operational Support Unit joined together to carry out raids on the homes of suspects.

Several garages believed to be used in disposing of the cars, were also searched during the operation. West Yorkshire Police were joined by representatives from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

Among the first to be arrested were a 28-year-old man who was arrested in Watmough Street in Great Horton. Officers executed a search warrant at his home and others searched two garages in the Great Horton and Lidgett Green areas.

During the operation 30 residential addresses and business premises were searched by officers and 40 stolen vehicles or parts of vehicles were recovered as well as two quad bikes. Det Chief Insp Mark McManus of Bradford South Division said: "The people who have been targeted during Operation Larkwood over the past three days are all believed to be involved in house burglaries where expensive cars are being targeted and stolen.

"The arrests come following a lengthy enquiry in which evidence was gathered. Eleven of these people have already been charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and other charges are expected.

"We have also targeted the garages we believe are involved in dismantling and disposing of the stolen cars or selling them on to unsuspecting members of the public.

''Operation Larkwood is an 18- month operation into people who receive stolen cars, dismantle them and sell or dispose of the parts.''

Investigations continue and more operations are expected.