POLICE have arrested seven people and recovered a haul of property that they suspect was stolen in a spate of burglaries of outbuildings and barns in rural North Herts.

50 Herts police officers were involved in carrying out the seven search warrants on December 1 at addresses in Dunstable and Slip End in Luton, which subsequently led to arrests of five men and two youths.

All have been police bailed until next week on suspicion of conspiracy to steal.

“This operation clearly demonstrates that Hertfordshire Constabulary is committed to tackling cross-border criminals committing theft and burglary and we will continue to proactively target this in North Herts,” said North Herts chief inspector Neil Ballard.

“North Herts does have specific Safer Neighbourhood Teams in our rural areas who are there to offer advice and support to people in rural communities.

“You can find out who your local officer is by ringing 0845 33 00 222 or by going to our website www.herts.police.uk and clicking on Safer Neighbourhoods.”