POLICE in south Wirral have launched a joint operation in a bid to crackdown on "travelling criminals" committing car and key burglary.

Following a rise in burglary offences in the Willaston and Hooton areas, pro-active beat managers have set up Operation Masilion, supported by uniform beat managers from Merseyside Police.

The operation was specifically tailored to target travelling criminals coming to the area and committing crime.

During the first week, police say eight significant arrests have been made.

The suspects still remain on bail while further investigations take place but since their arrests, no further offences have been reported in the area.

Sergeant Daniel Greenhalgh said: “The operation is a clear indication to the public of the police’s commitment to you that we will not stand for these type of offences. 

"We will robustly target those criminals that travel into Ellesmere Port and Neston to commit crime and will utilise all available resources to stop them from happening.

"I am sure the eight significant arrests will send out a clear message to those travelling criminals.”