TEN men arrested by police after a series of raids in Southampton have been bailed.

More than 150 officers stormed properties across the city yesterday morning as part of an operation following burglaries and car thefts in the city.

A total of 14 warrants were executed in properties resulting in ten people being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal.

Those arrested are all men from Southampton and are aged 16, two 17-year-olds, 18, 20, three 21-year-olds, 23 and 34.

They have been bailed until a date in June.

The properties targeted included addresses in the Millbrook area around Kendal Avenue, Outer Circle and Windrush Road.

Residents reported seeing armed police carrying riot gear in the Millbrook area around Kendall Avenue, Outer Circle and Windrush Neighbours told how at least four officers went in to a house in Mardale Road while a Hampshire Police mobile CCTV Unit was later parked outside a property in Kendal Avenue.

Police were seen putting motorbikes and pushbikes inside a van while at one property officers were spotted carrying evidence bags out of a house as well as paper bags, bin bags and a box filled with items.

Detective Inspector Fiona Bitters said: “These warrants have been conducted as part of a crack down on burglaries and thefts of motor vehicles in Southampton. We take these offences very seriously and will take positive action to disrupt this criminal activity.”

Anyone with information about burglary or vehicle crime in their area should contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.