'Prolific offenders' crackdown leads to 25 arrests

The scheme is working with local businesses to tackle prolific offenders

A police force arrested 25 people in the first month of a crackdown on what it called suspected prolific offenders.

Cambridgeshire's Spree Offender Team has seen officers working with local businesses in Peterborough and Fenland to target crime such as thefts from shops and vehicles.

The force said it would continue to focus on people suspected of having committed "five or more offences in a six-week period or who are believed likely to continue offending based on recent behaviour".

So far the arrests have led to 91 charges, with some people having been convicted and jailed.

The scheme was set up in July by Cambridgeshire police

A previous scheme set up in Cambridge in September 2023 has been hailed a success by police.

Det Ch Insp Chris O'Brien said: "They complement, not replace, the wider policing effort to bring offenders to justice, as well as protecting and reassuring our communities.

"We recognise the impact offences such as theft have on victims, businesses and employers, including financial loss, abuse, threats and intimidation."