CAR thieves are feeling the long arm of the law because of a covert operation involving police sting vehicles.

It was announced yesterday that car crime has been cut by almost 50 per cent in Middlesbrough as a result of Operation Hatch, launched in January.

The operation involves planting sting vehicles in hotspot areas, fitted with hidden cameras to catch culprits.

Over the past couple of weeks, six targets have been caught on film, smashing their way into the vehicles.

Since the sting began, there have been 310 fewer vehicle offences in Middlesbrough than in December.

Cleveland Police Chief Inspector Sue Coates said: "Operation Hatch is reviewed on a daily basis. We look at figures from the previous 24 hours and find hotspot areas for our next target.

"The sting vehicle would then be dropped with fitted CCTV. When the car is targeted, the offender triggers the camera and is then caught in the act."

Meanwhile, almost 200 officers have been on the streets, with the mounted section, dog section and street wardens reminding people not to leave valuables in their cars.

Chief Insp Coates said: "We will continue the fight against car crime until criminals get the message that there is no place for them in this town."

* In the latest round of arrests, officers swooped on six suspects during early morning raids in the town. A man aged 34 and five others in their late teens have been arrested. A youth was also arrested for unrelated drugs offences.