Police in Cambridge arrest 83 in crackdown on prolific criminals

Police in Cambridge have been tackling "prolific" offenders in the city

A crackdown on retail crime, bike theft and begging in Cambridge has led to the arrest of 83 people.

Officers at Parkside Police Station set up the Spree Offending Team in September to tackle the city's most prolific criminals.

Over the past six months, officers have secured charges for 369 crimes.

Sgt Dan Scott said there was a "misconception" that lower-level crime was given less priority, with police working "tirelessly" to tackle it.

"We recognise the impact these spree offences have on victims, businesses and employees including financial loss, abuse, threats and intimidation," he said.

Cambridgeshire Police said the team had been working daily to track down persistent and prolific offenders responsible for crimes including shoplifting, begging, bike theft, burglary, theft from motor vehicles and going equipped for theft.

Officers have also worked with partner agencies and other police departments to prevent them from further offending.

Det Ch Insp Denise Harper said: "The team are working quickly and robustly with these offenders to prevent future crimes and victims."