A SHOPKEEPER has hit out at police after nothing was found in the third raid on his store.

Asad Qamar said his reputation was being damaged after the swoop on Mars Mini-Market, Johnston Street, Blackburn, yesterday in a suspected stolen goods probe.

Police said they had been responding to information provided by the public.

But Mr Qamar, 27, said: “We understand that the police have a job to do and we totally respect that but this is the third time they have raided us now and it's not good.

“Many people in this area are thieves and we have also been given this label even though it is totally untrue. They are listening to people who are giving them wrong information."

Around 25 officers from Greenbank police station were involved in the raids as part of Operation Boudica, which aims to clamp down on burglaries, car crime, drug dealing, and the handling of stolen goods.

The police later raided a house in Fountain Avenue, Whitebirk, in an unconnected swoop.

Police broke down the door and carried out searches, uncovering stolen goods and £150 worth of cannabis yesterday afternoon.

Several laptops, Satnavs and mobile phones worth around £1,000, were also seized at the address.

A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and possession of cannabis.

Sergeant Gary Hennighan, of Blackburn police, said: “There are criminals in Blackburn who are believed to be stashing stolen property at local addresses.

“These people have no respect for the law-abiding residents of the area and we are doing everything we can to ensure they are found, arrested and put before the courts.

"Criminal activity in any form will not be tolerated under any circumstances and we are working hard to ensure that those involved in this kind of activity will feel the full force of the law.

“I am urging residents to stand up to these bullies.

“And to contact police if they know about any illegal activity that has a negative impact on the community."