RICHIE Ornsby is a man with a mission - tracking down the specialist crooks who keep others in business.

The detective constable has been given the job of tracking down "fences" or receivers of stolen goods.

Cleveland Police has asked him to find vital intelligence on where stolen goods are being sold on. Outlets can range from secondhand shops and pawn brokers to car boot sales, ads placed in newspapers, pubs and local markets.

"If there were no handlers there would be no market for stolen goods. Reduce the number of outlets and you help reduce crime,'' said Det Con Ornsby, who is based in east Cleveland, where his sweep will start.

He is appealing to people to provide him with information: tip offs which could lead to search warrants and the targeting of specific individuals.

Det Con Ornsby said: "Intelligence is the key to ensure this will be a success and the public can help us in that. I want to know who is offering cheap electrical goods, who can get lawnmowers and bikes; who can deal in pieces of jewellery."

He added: "You can use a crook to catch a crook. Handlers attract thieves and when we know where they are, they will also attract the attention of our officers.''

Anyone with information about handlers can ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or (01642) 303030 or 07968 064 288.