POLICE raided three homes in Birkenhead on Tuesday morning as part of a crackdown on car and motorbike theft in the area.

One man has been arrested following a series of co-ordinated raids by police in Penrith Street, Henthorne Street and Seymour Street shortly after 9am in response to information from the community.

The 21-year-old was arrested for possession of a controlled drug and on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

Neighbourhood Inspector for Birkenhead, Duncan Swan said: "This morning’s activity is part of an ongoing operation we have running to tackle a recent rise in thefts of, and theft from motor vehicles. Many of these have been carried out by opportunists who have targeted vehicles that have been left open.

"Drivers can do a lot to help themselves not become a victim of car crime by simply making sure they remove all their valuables and lock their vehicles.

"Today’s warrants are as a direct result of information we’ve received from the public. The community are our eyes and ears and they are key to helping us tackle the issues that matter to them. I hope that today’s activity demonstrates we will act, whenever we can, on information that is given to us”

Tuesday's raids follow a sharp rise in thefts of motorbikes and scooters and thefts from vehicles in the Birkenhead area over the past month.

Figures from Merseyside police show that 72 cars, scooters and motorbikes were reported stolen in the birkenhead area between July 1 and October 29, as well as 172 thefts of vehicles. 

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.