TWO men from Colchester were part of a list of suspected criminals taken off the streets thanks to a joint police crackdown.

Essex Police officers joined forces with colleagues from City of London Police, British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police Service.

Six warrants were executed across the county around 7.30am on Thursday, October 18, targeting those suspected of being involved in burglaries, robberies, thefts and the handling of stolen goods.

Aaron Talbot, 41 of Conifer Close, Colchester, was charged with burglary and theft at an address in Blackthorn Avenue, Colchester on September 10.

A 22-year-old man from Colchester arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug and possession of a Class A drug has been bailed until November 13.

Chief Superintendent Andy Mariner, who led the operation said: “We know that traditionally when the clocks go back at the end of October and we move towards the winter months, theft-related crime such as burglary increases.

“However, our recent figures show that there has been a six per cent drop in burglaries across Essex over the past 12 months and we want to keep this momentum going.

“We understand the impact these crimes have on victims not only in the immediate aftermath, but for months and sometimes, years after too.

“This shows just how important it is that we find those responsible for these crimes and hold them accountable for their actions.”

Using the combined resources and expertise of each force, six people across the county were arrested on suspicion of theft-related offences and three people were subsequently charged.

Another two people were arrested during the operation for non-theft related offences.