Arrests follow gang suspect raids

The raids were carried out by Surrey Police and the Metropolitan Police

Twelve people have been arrested after raids on 12 properties in a crackdown on criminal gangs operating in Surrey.

The raids in Feltham, Isleworth and Wokingham on Tuesday morning targeted a gang suspected of stealing electronic goods and cars from Surrey homes.

They are also believed to have committed offences in the Thames Valley and Metropolitan Police areas.

Surrey Police carried out nine raids as part of Operation Shield, which tackles offenders who live outside the county.

The Metropolitan Police executed another three warrants in Surrey and southwest London during the morning.

Officers arrested 10 people, aged between 15 and 36, on suspicion of burglary, a 37-year-old woman on suspicion of handling stolen goods, and a 34-year-old man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

According to Surrey Police, half the county's crime was committed by people living outside the area and 60% of the organised crime gangs operating in Surrey are London-based.

Surrey Police is working with neighbouring forces to tackle the problem and using Automatic Number Plate Recognition to track criminals.

The 12 suspects will be interviewed at Woking Police Station by the force's cross-border investigation team.