Nearly 70 people - five of them from east and south Kent - have been arrested as part of a targeted day of action across both Kent and Essex.

The operation was carried out by the new Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate who said it sent out a clear message to criminals in the run up to Christmas.

Teams from divisions across the two counties executed a series of warrants and planned operations targeting those involved in a wide variety of crimes from burglary and other theft related offences including vehicle and metal theft, handling stolen goods, and drug supply at all levels from street dealers to suppliers.

In south Kent - which covers Ashford to Deal and Dover, a 30-year-old man wasarrested for theft from a motor vehicle.

In east Kent, covering Sandwich, Canterbury and Thanet, three men aged 40, 43 and 47, together with a 24-year-old woman were arrested for handling stolen goods.

A total of £700 cash has been found and a quantity of jewellery and antiques were recovered. Officers seized a large quantity of electrical goods including mobile phones and playstations were seized.