MORE than 200 arrests have been made by a team set up to tackle car crime across the force since the beginning of the year.

As part of the ongoing Relentless against vehicle crime scheme officers from all over the constabulary area have joined the dedicated crew.

And six of the top ten offenders are currently in custody with four serving custodial sentences of up to six months, with one offender this week given a post-conviction ASBO for two years after being convicted of two counts of theft from motor vehicle.

Chief Superintendent John Long said: "Arresting the car thief is only part of the battle to beat car crime, we also need to take out the people who are buying and selling the stolen property, fuelling the car crime.

"200 arrests, the vast majority of which are for car crime offences, is excellent news for the operation and for the communities of Avon and Somerset.

"This operation is about getting car criminals, many of whom are prolific, off the street and behind bars. We have been carrying out raids at their houses, putting extra patrols - overt and covert - into the areas we know they frequent and targeting the handlers we know they take their stolen goods to."