Hundreds held in anti-burglary swoop

More than 200 suspected burglars have been arrested in a series of dawn raids across London.

Around 1,100 Metropolitan Police were involved in the operation, which has been described as the biggest of its kind ever mounted.

Detectives believe the suspects are responsible for thousands of burglaries in London and the south east.

Property worth more than £440,000, including computers, televisions, jewellery and cash has been recovered.

Syringe

Scotland Yard said it made 237 arrests as a result of the dawn raids, which began on Friday and lasted for three days.

During the raids one suspect is said to have tried to stab officers with a syringe.

The Metropolitan Police said the operation marks the start of the new Safer Homes initiative, which will continue to target burglars.

Met Commissioner Sir John Stevens said: "These raids mark the start of Operation Safer Homes and show the heavy impact we intend to make on burglary in London over the coming months."

'Hotspots'

Mr Stevens said the operation was intended to "make life difficult" for burglars and make use of improved intelligence through the London Tactical Intelligence Unit.

The project will see officers from the Territorial Support Group targeting known burglary "hotspots" and helping local detectives mount operations.

More raids were being carried out on Monday and the operation will continue in the run up to Christmas.