THE net is tightening on street robbers in Hartlepool as a police operation begins to bite.

Operation Cobra targets robbers who prey on vulnerable people throughout the town.

So far, it has resulted in several arrests and detectives have promised more are imminent during the next few days.

Teams of officers have carried out raids on a number of houses in the town.

These resulted in the arrests of three people and the seizure of jewellery and other property, which was all believed to be from street robberies.

The latest stage of the operation was carried out yesterday, when police conducted a search of Burn Valley Gardens, where it was believed handbags and possessions from victims had been dumped.

The search was one of a series at known dumping grounds, said police.

Detective Sergeant Tony Green, of Hartlepool CID, said that for weeks officers had been gathering information about suspects, which had seen several people arrested and charged with offences.

On Monday, a man appeared before the town's magistrates' court charged with seven robberies of pensioners. A second man was accused of three robberies.

Two prisoners at Holme House Prison, Stockton, were questioned about muggings. Another man was being quizzed last night.

Det Sgt Green said: "We know who is carrying out these despicable offences and we will be calling at their homes to lock them up.

"Any street robbery is a shocking offence, but when people deliberately target pensioners and other vulnerable people because they are seen as an easy target, it is despicable.

"Such crimes have even sickened known criminals in the town, who have provided us with vital information to target these offenders.

"As the operation goes on, we will ensure there will be no hiding place for them. We are determined to root out those responsible and bring them before the courts.