A TOTAL of 19 people were arrested across the county yesterday as part of Operation Guardian, the Forcewide crackdown on robbery, house burglary and vehicle crime.

The dawn raid warrants operation targeted suspected stolen goods handlers at addresses in Northampton, Wellingborough, Daventry and Kettering.

Officers from across the Force executed 41 search warrants, looking for stolen property or drugs.

Of the 19 arrests, the majority were released on police bail pending further enquiries. One man has already been recalled to prison.

Officers seized a range of property, mainly electrical goods and small quantities of cannabis and suspected Class A drugs.

Nine mobile phones and 1.5 tonnes of stolen cable were taken from one address. Cash seizures of several thousands of pounds will be considered under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

And two hydroponic sets (cannabis factories) were found in houses, one in Northampton and one in Wellingborough.

Several second-hand dealers were also visited by police as part of a high-visibility operation, which involved more than 100 officers.

Assistant Chief Constable Martin Jelley, the commander for Operation Guardian, said: “I am very enthusiastic about the operation which will gain further momentum over coming weeks.

We have a target to reduce serious acquisitive crime by 16 per cent by the end of March 2010 and the energy and desire coming from staff to make this difference is high.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jan Meagher, who led yesterday’s warrants operation, added: “This is the first of several planned impact days around those who commit serious acquisitive crime like robbery, house burglary and vehicle crime.

“Yesterday’s raids were planned as part of an intelligence-led operation, following information received by police officers and also members of the public.

“This sharing of intelligence is key to the success of the operation and I urge everyone to continue to give us information which we have demonstrated that we will action.”