DORSET Police made more than 130 arrests during their targeted Operation Castle burglary campaign.

A total of 138 individuals were arrested on suspicion of burglary offences throughout December 2013 and January 2014.

Total burglary crime in the county has fallen by 6.6 per cent over the last year, with 100 fewer burglaries to date.

Officers used a range of tactics in a bid to reduce burglaries in Dorset during the Christmas and New Year period under the banner of Operation Castle.

Detective Inspector Andrew Dilworth, of Dorset Police’s priority crime team, said: “During Operation Castle we continued to focus on targeting suspected offenders and work in partnership with other agencies.

“We also stepped up patrols in vulnerable areas and worked with neighbours and community groups to spread the crime prevention message to residents.

“Not only did we target burglars over the Christmas campaign, we also targeted handlers of stolen goods.

“While we have seen a reduction in burglary crime, there is still a lot more work to do and we remain committed towards reducing crime further.

“I am urging the public to follow some simple crime prevention steps to help reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime.”

He added: “Ensure valuables and popular electrical items such as tablets and laptops are not left on display and that all windows and doors are securely locked when you leave.

“My final message to the public is – do not be complacent. If you see someone acting suspiciously in your area please call us on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress so we can send officers and investigate.”