TWO men have been arrested after police swooped on a number of properties following a string of burglaries in Bolton.

Officers executed warrants at addresses in Hall Lane, Farnworth.

Police arrested two men on suspicion burglary and also seized three transit vans and a car, which are believed to be linked to criminal activity.

The operation, codenamed Defusion, was carried out in response to a string of burglaries that have taken place in Bolton in recent months.

The operation remains ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Bridge, of GMP’s Bolton borough, said: “Earlier today we executed warrants at a number of properties in Farnworth and as a result we now have two men in custody who have been arrested on suspicion of burglary.

“Today’s operation has been planned meticulously for a number of weeks and is a direct response to concerns raised by residents about a string of burglaries.

“We treat concerns from our residents very seriously and will take appropriate action to address the issues they raise to us.

“Our investigation into these burglaries is by no means finished and there is still much work to be done.  I would ask that anybody with information that they believe can assist us contacts the police.  ”

Anybody with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 373 of 13/10/17, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.