BOBBIES on bikes have put a spoke in the wheels of burglars responsible for five break-ins a day.

The officers, along with foot patrols, mounted officers, detectives and Special Constables, were responsible for an 80 percent drop in house burglaries in Middlesbrough during Operation Homebase.

Officers checked nearly 1,700 people, and arrested 89 for offences ranging from burglary and car crime to shoplifting.

Inspector Rob Donaghy said: "We are delighted with the results from this operation and the impact it has had on burglary figures. However, we are not complacent and are already planning operations to arrest offenders who are continuing to commit crime in the town centre areas.''

He stressed the need for families to help by securing their homes, and passing on information to police.

A suspected drug dealer was arrested in a raid on a pub as the result of information passed to the police.

Insp Donaghy said: "We need the cooperation of residents to combat this kind of activity, which is the core of most offending in Cleveland.''