A SERIES of co-ordinated early morning raids took place across Wirral this morning, Thursday, in a crackdown on golf-related thefts.

The early morning raids are part of Merseyside Police’s three-month-long Operation Cachaille that launched in September to tackle burglary in the region.

Birkenhead neighbourhood inspector Duncan Swan said there had been 11 offences since April across Wirral which saw golfing equipment including clothing and clubs stolen as well as electrical gardening tools.

The Globe was taken along to a number of warrants on the Beechwood estate, where police believe offenders are connected to organised crime gangs.

Inspector Duncan Swan said officers have already recovered some stolen items.

He said: “Our aim is to reduce burglaries by targeting known offenders and establish public confidence by showing that Merseyside Police won’t tolerate these offences.

"We are sending out a message to anyone who commits such offences that Merseyside Police will locate and trace them." 

Seven of the nine properties targeted today were connected to the golf thefts, while one warrant was also issued for drug offences related to the burglaries.

One man from the Beechwood area was arrested this morning. Further arrests are expected.

Leading the operation, Superintendent Chris Markey said: "Today’s activity is all about going after those we believe to be committing burglary offences.

"It also sends a clear message to those individuals intent on committing this crime that there is no hiding place and that we will use all the tools available to us to track them down and bring them to justice."

Although burglaries are down year-on-year by 14%, police in Merseyside do see these numbers rise by as much as 25% during the winter-months.

"Although we have seen a slight decrease in the number of burglaries, it continues to be a challenging time for us," added Supt Markey.

"However, it’s not just about disrupting the activities of these offenders and preventing them from going about their daily business.

"We have also stepped up patrols in hotspot areas and are working hard to provide home owners with advice on how to keep their property safe.

"Many burglaries are preventable by simply locking doors and shutting window."

One in five burglaries is down to insecurities and burglars will always take the easy option. It only takes minutes for them to get in through an open window or door.

Police advice is to lock front and back doors and use an alarm, if you have one. Light timers are also an effective tool to give the impression that someone is at home.

Anyone who has information about crime in their area should call police on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.