Up to 500 officers are involved in the operation

The biggest operation ever carried out in the Cleveland force area targeted wanted offenders in crime hot spots.

Operation Sabre will last four days and target known drug criminals, car thieves and burglars.

Cleveland Chief Constable Sean Price has pledged to maintain the pressure on known offenders in an effort to cut crime.

A force spokesman said some of those arrested face being fast tracked through the courts.

Mobile prison buses were drafted in to expand cell capacity.

Raids began at 0800 BST on Wednesday with high visibility patrols, before officers moved in to target streets in Middlesbrough.

In the first four hours 23 arrests had been made.

Mr Price added: "Over the past 12 months the force has made a real impact on crime.

Prime targets

"This is one of our planned initiatives to ensure we keep the criminals on the run.

"It should send out the clearest of messages to those who create havoc and fear in our communities that we know who they are and we are coming for them.

"I hope (the) operation demonstrates to everyone that we mean business.

"There will be no let-up on our part to drive down crime and put the law-abiding people of Cleveland first."

Months of planning has gone into the operation identifying prime targets for arrest teams.

Assistant Chief Constable Adam Briggs, lead officer for Operation Sabre, said: "After areas have been hit by our arrest teams they will be followed by fresh squads of officers who will carry out a wide range of high visibility patrols.

"There will also be leaflet drops to all houses telling people what has taken place and asking for their help and support.

"Operation Sabre is here to stay. It will be fine-tuned and used time and time again.

"Armed with the right intelligence it will cut crime and disorder on our streets."