MEMBERS of a suspected burglary gang have been arrested following more than 30 burglaries at pubs, restaurants and retail stores across the country.

Ellesmere Port and Chester CID officers have led the investigation into the alleged high-value burglary spree, with the arrests coming early on Thursday, November 7.

Officers from Cheshire Constabulary executed warrants at seven addresses in Prenton, Noctorum, Heswall and Birkenhead with support from Merseyside Police and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit.

The men - aged 19, 22, 24, 33, 42 and 45 - have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary.

The strike is the culmination of a lengthy and complex into more than 30 burglaries at pubs and retail stores across the UK where safes have been targeted.

For Cheshire, the suspects have been arrested in connection with 14 burglaries other than a dwelling, three thefts from a motor vehicle and one burglary in a dwelling. These include incidents in Chester, Neston, Ellesmere Port, Helsby and Macclesfield.

In addition, the suspects have been arrested in connection with 10 burglaries other than a dwelling, one theft from a motor vehicle and one burglary in a dwelling in the Wirral area.

Other incidents occurred in Staffordshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, North Wales, Dyfed Powys and West Mercia.

The investigation has been co-ordinated by detectives from Ellesmere Port and Chester CID, with support from colleagues from Cheshire’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit.

Detective Sergeant Graeme Carvell, who has led the investigation, said: “Today’s arrests follow a lengthy and complex investigation focusing on a large number of incidents across the country – believed to be up to 39 separate offences.

“It appears that these particular incidents, which include more than 30 burglaries at pubs and retail stores, have been carefully planned and co-ordinated and have spanned eight separate police forces across England and Wales.”

All of the men arrested are in police custody helping officers with their enquiries. A number of addresses are currently being searched as part of the ongoing investigation.

Chief Inspector Alex McMillan, who is in charge of policing in Ellesmere Port, said: “The work leading up to and including today’s strike phase is testament to the dedication and commitment by officers and staff to disrupt criminal activity and to continue to keep our communities safe.”