Police are warning burglars in Newcastle and Gateshead to expect extra attention in the coming months.
It comes as part of a burglary crackdown.
Throughout March officers in the Central Area Command have arrested 29 men and two women as part of ongoing work aimed at cutting the number of burglaries in the areas and getting those responsible for them off the streets and behind bars.
The latest five arrests came during two co-ordinated raids in Bennell and Byker on Wednesday morning (March 23).
During the two intelligence-led strikes police uncovered a cannabis farm and seized knives, a samurai sword and an amount of cash.
These items have been seized and enquiries are ongoing.
Central Area Command Superintendent David Felton said: “Burglary is a crime that is very much top of our agenda here in Newcastle and Gateshead.
“It impacts directly on our communities. No one should have their home broken into and we are out to get those who think burgling peoples’ homes is acceptable.
“We want to put a stop to them. We want people to be safe and know that when they go to bed at night or go to work on a morning that their home will be safe and secure.
“We are working with our communities to make sure this is the case and the activity this morning is just the start of what will become regular business here in Central Area Command.
“Burglars need to be aware that these raids will continue and no one who chooses to commit burglaries in our area is safe.
“All burglars can expect extra attention from us in the future and plenty of early morning wake up calls from police officers.”
Further action is planned for April across both Newcastle and Gateshead, where officers will be carrying out a number of highly visible policing initiatives and undercover operations.
The Central Area Command burglary team will be focusing on targeting known offenders and Neighbourhood Officers will be running a number of burglary specific crime prevention events aimed at helping people keep burglars out of their homes.
All victims of burglary recieve face to face visits from officers where they will be given crime prevention advice and any support they require.
Supt Felton added: “Although yesterday’s activity was all about locking burglars up and making arrests, the most important aspect of this operation for us is, without doubt, supporting and helping the victims of burglary.
“When someone has been inside your home it can have a significant impact on a person’s life and their ability to feel safe. Possessions can often be replaced but people can’t, and there will be a real focus by officers in Newcastle and Gateshead on making sure that victims of burglary have all of the support and information they need to feel safe after a crime has taken place.
“We will pursue the criminals and do everything we can to get the burglars from off of our streets. We promise to support and protect our communities and we will work together with the residents of Newcastle and Gateshead to prevent burglaries from happening.”