NINETEEN people were arrested in a 24-hour purge on criminal activity on Friday (October 26).

Forty police officers led an operation across Redcar and Cleveland that targeted those suspected of being involved in criminal activity.

Operation Commitment saw nineteen suspects aged between 18 and 54 arrested, on suspicion of offences ranging from burglary to criminal damage.

Ten of those arrested were charged and must attend court, six were bailed pending further enquiries and three were released without charge.

Temporary Detective Inspector Paul Gordon said: “The day sent a hard-hitting message to suspects within the district. It disrupted their activities and potentially prevented further offences from being committed.

“Members of the public are always a great help and have provided some significant intelligence to support our operations. I would urge the community to continue their support.

“Operation Commitment will persist through the coming months, continuing to target suspected of being involved in criminality across the district. These operations send out a positive, clear and direct message; that police will pursue and take action against those who are wanted.”

Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is urged to contact police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.