A 12-year-old girl was arrested during a joint operation between four forces which saw suspected burglars, thieves and robbers arrested.

On Thursday, Essex police officers officers joined forces with colleagues from City of London Police, British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police Service to execute warrants across the county.

Six warrants were executed across the county at around 7.30am on Thursday targeting those suspected of being involved in burglaries, robberies, thefts and the handling of stolen goods.

A 12-year-old girl from Southend was arrested in connection to three burglaries in August at addresses on The Grove, Norwich Avenue and South Avenue, Southend and an attempted burglary at a property on Lonsdale Road, was released under investigation.

Chief Superintendent Andy Mariner, who led the operation said: “We know that traditionally when the clocks go back at the end of October and we move towards the winter months, theft-related crime such as burglary increases.

“However our recent figures show that there has been a six per cent drop in burglaries across Essex over the past 12 months and we want to keep this momentum going.

“We understand the impact these crimes have on victims not only in the immediate aftermath, but for months and sometimes, years after too. This shows just how important it is that we find those responsible for these crimes and hold them accountable for their actions.”

Using the combined resources and expertise of each force, six people were arrested on suspicion of theft-related offences and three people were subsequently charged.

Another two people were arrested during the course of the operation for non-theft related offences.

Three stolen cars were also found and over 70 motorists were stopped and spoken to as officers aimed to unsettle those using roads to commit crime.

Mr Mariner added: “We know that offenders move across county borders and use roads and railways to commit these crimes. By working alongside colleagues from City of London Police, British Transport Police and the Met, we were able to disrupt potential criminal activity.”