Burglaries and car crime have dramatically dropped in Benfleet and Hadleigh, thanks to a full-scale police operation.

Uniformed police patrols were stepped up and undercover teams were sent to the worst affected areas in a two-week blitz, dubbed Operation Scarlet, at the beginning of March.

Police from all over the Rayleigh division were drafted in including uniformed officers, neighbourhood beat officers, CID officers and special constables.

As a result of the action, latest figures show that burglaries have halved and car crime has dropped by 66 per cent.

Around 20 people were arrested during the crackdown for car crime, burglary, going equipped to steal, possession or supply of illegal drugs, criminal damage and handling stolen goods.

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