ESSEX Police have arrested 69 people across the county in a major crackdown on persistent burglars. The arrests were part of Operation Relentless, which has seen known offenders arrested and is followed with information for people wanting to improve home security.

ESSEX Police have arrested 69 people across the county in a major crackdown on persistent burglars.

The arrests were part of Operation Relentless, which has seen known offenders arrested and is followed with information for people wanting to improve home security.

At Essex Police's headquarters yesterday a reformed petty criminal gave his support to the campaign and emphasised how important it was for people to stop burglars getting in.

Mike Fraser, 40, described how it was possible to ransack a home in four to five minutes.

Mr Fraser is one of the presenters of the BBC programme To Catch a Thief, who locates a potential burglary target and then, with the owners co-operation, breaks in, to highlight the problems with security at the home.

During the programme, people reacted with disbelief as Mr Fraser proved how much damage could be done and how much could be stolen from a property the owners felt was secure.

Mr Fraser added the legal system needed the criminals to "face the reality and impact" of what they had done.

As part of the second stage of Operation Relentless, leaflets, information packs and posters are being handed out across the county and placed into houses which have been identified as being at "high risk" of a burglary.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "People are advised that if they take precautions, they need not be a victim so protect yourself.

"The public is encouraged to ask for advice in protecting their home and possessions."

Two of the programmes for the series were filmed in Essex with the help of the force.

A number of people have been charged following the operation and 38 people are still under police investigation.