POLICE in the Aylesbury Vale arrested 40 people in Aylesbury Vale during February as part of Operation Attali, which is aimed at tackling and disrupting known criminals.

The arrests - for offences including burglary, drug offences, robbery and handling stolen goods - brought the total number of people arrested as part of the operation to 75 since it began in December.

The initiative has concentrated police resources in towns and also areas which border Beds and Herts.

Charges have been brought against seven people for offences including robbery and drug possession. Others remain on police bail.

A total of 200 stop and searches were carried out, 189 of which involved people who were already known to the police and had previous convictions.

Neighbourhood Inspector Omar Abu-Rish said: "February proved to be a very busy, proactive month with a large number of arrests and continued disruption to our known criminals.

"Officers will continue to take a robust approach in tackling crime but we can only do this with the continued support of the public.

"If anyone has information about who may be committing burglaries or breaking into cars then please let us know by calling Thames Valley Police on 08458 505505 or the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555111."