POLICE swooped on suspected crooks in a series of dawn raids as part of a pre-Christmas crackdown on crime in Accrington.

Officers swooped on six houses as part of a county-wide operation, codenamed Castle II, aimed at tackling burglars and other criminals.

Nine men were arrested and taken to Accrington police station for questioning. Some property was recovered and a small amount of drugs seized.

Detective Inspector Jim Oldcorn, head of Accrington CID, said: "We did not find an Aladdin's Cave but we have recovered some property and a small amount of drugs."

Officers with search warrants raided houses in Lydia Street, Higher Antley Street, Nuttall Street, Lonsdale Street, Brunswick Terrace, South Street, as well as the bail hostel in Lydia Street.

Officers had to force an entry at some of the houses.

Suspected stolen property taken away by police included computer equipment and mobile phones.

A small amount of cannabis and amphetamine was also seized.

One of the nine suspects arrested is being escorted to South Yorkshire in connection with the theft of plant machinery.

Around 30 detectives and uniformed officers were involved in the Accrington blitz.

DI Oldcorn added: "Today's operation is only an illustration of actions being taken on a daily basis throughout the year."

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