Almost 100 arrests have so far been made as part of Operation Sabre.

Cleveland Police have promised to continue the operation, which has so far seen raids in Middlesbrough, Stockton and Hartlepool.

Up to 500 officers are involved in the ongoing operation targeting wanted criminals in crime hot spots across the region.

'On the run'

More than 70 arrests were made in the first two days of the operation, which began on 21 April.

Operation Sabre is the largest ever crackdown on known offenders carried out by the Cleveland force.

On Monday, 10 teams of officers were involved in raids in the Hartlepool area, where 13 people were arrested for a variety of offences including outstanding warrants, conspiracy charges, theft and drugs.

This operation will be relentless and continue unabated for years to come Assistant Chief Constable, Adam Briggs

Assistant Chief Constable Adam Briggs said: "We are very pleased with the progress we are making with Operation Sabre.

"We are currently re-grouping and preparing for the next wave of arrests which will be even more effective in keeping the criminals of Cleveland on the run.

"The operation so far has proved extremely successful.

"We have received numerous e-mails and telephone calls from members of the public supporting this initiative.

"There will be no let up in this offensive against the criminals of Cleveland.

"My intention is that they shall suffer the fear of crime and wonder if that knock on the door is our officers coming to lock them up.

"There will be no hiding place for the thieves, the robbers, the drug dealers and others who think they can prey on our communities.

"This operation will be relentless and continue unabated for years to come."

Mobile prison buses have been used to ferry those arrested to fast-track court hearings.