AROUND 100 car bonnet badges have been recovered after police arrested two youths in connection with a series of thefts.

Police launched Operation Emblem after badges were reported stolen from cars in the Tarn Avenue area of Clayton-le-Moors.

Cars targeted included a Volkswagen, a Jaguar, a Saab and an MG Roadster.

As part of the operation officers had visited scrapyards to warn bosses to be on their guard for anyone trying to sell car badges and used high-visibility patrols of Clayton.

PC Ian Durber said: "As a result of a planned operation two youths were arrested in connection with the theft of badges from vehicles in the Clayton-le-Moors area.

"Some badges have been returned to their owners, but we have more than 90 at the police station following the operation."

The crack down was led by the community beat manager team at Great Harwood.

PC Nick Mattock added: "Collecting badges from cars is illegal and the effect it has on people is more than people think.

"These badges cost a lot of money to replace and owners should not have to spend their time and money because of this anti-social behaviour."

The two youths have been bailed until November pending further inquiries.