POLICE said tonight that 48 people had been arrested so far in Operation Backlash, its latest crackdown of prolific offenders in Oxford.

The arrests have been in connection with offences ranging from burglary, robbery, drugs to failing to appear at court and driving offences.

Police said as of 11am today, eight people had been charged and the operation was continuing.

Acting Det Insp Kev Elkins, who heads up the Oxford priority crime teams of autocrime, burglary and robbery, said: "We are extremely pleased with the positive results from the operation so far. Operation Backlash is getting officers out there and after known criminals and arrests are being made.

"We want to reassure residents of Oxford that we will relentlessly pursue these prolific offenders until they are bought to justice. Our main aims are to disrupt criminal activity, arrest outstanding offenders and collect important intelligence.

"I hope the message is getting through to those involved in crime that we will be coming to get you."

Operation Backlash is entering its third phase after previous crackdowns against prolific criminals in April and June 2006. Police said a large team of plain clothes officers was patrolling Oxford city, using stop check powers and pursuing known offenders as well as executing warrants at suspects' addresses.