POLICE raided 11 shops and homes across Oxford today in a major crackdown on illegal operations that handle stolen goods, in particular laptops.

One hundred officers took part in Operation Bridgetown, a multi-agency enterprise by Thames Valley Police, HM Revenue & Customs, immigration officers and trading standards.

Police said it had been a protracted covert operation, which culminated in today's raids. They recovered a significant number of items that are believed to have been stolen in domestic burglaries.

Det Insp Simon Morton, who led the investigation, said: "Oxford police are fully committed to tackling the problem of dwelling burglaries within our city. This type of crime can have a devastating effect on the victims, leaving families feeling insecure in their own homes.

"We have targeted the market for handling stolen goods, especially laptops and other portable electrical goods, which perpetuates the crime of burglary itself. Without the handlers there would be far fewer burglaries and theft offences.

"Working in partnership with other agencies we will continue to take a robust approach to the issues of burglary and handling stolen goods and target those we believe to be involved."