7:10am Saturday 18th July 2009
A CRACKDOWN on burglary that involved every police officer in Hampshire and led to more than 1,500 arrests across the south has been hailed a success by a Government minister.
In Operation Nemesis, which ran from January to June this year, police targeted known burglars and their associates, recovered stolen goods and told people how to avoid becoming a burglary victim.
The crackdown was highlighted by Home Office Minister Alan Campbell.
A formal evaluation is being carried out by Hampshire Constabulary, but early indicators show 1,575 people were arrested for burglary over the six-month period – a 23 per cent increase on the same period last year.
Mr Campbell said: “I would like to congratulate Hampshire Constabulary for their dedication and innovative approach to tackling the crimes that matter to the public.
“We have always said that a rise in crime during the economic downturn is not inevitable and operations like this show what great results can be achieved by working together.”
Chief Constable of Hampshire, Alex Marshall said: “Operation Nemesis focused the efforts of the force in tackling burglary offences as one team. The result was impressive with more arrests made, improved detection rates and many offences prevented.”
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