Officers investigating HGV thefts across the country make arrests following dawn raids in Dover, Merseyside, Lancashire and North Wales

Detectives investigating a series of thefts from and thefts of heavy goods vehicles across the country have arrested a total of five people in dawn raids.

Early morning search warrants were executed at a total of 13 addresses in Dover, Merseyside, North Wales and Lancashire this morning (Tuesday 15 July 2014).

Following their 12 month-long investigation, officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate worked alongside counterparts from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit to make the arrests.

A number of properties, including a haulage yard in Eythorne and locations in The Conifers in Coldred and Bindon Blood Road in Whitfield were searched as part of the pre-planned operation involving approximately 120 officers across the country.

In total, five people have been arrested in the north west of the country on suspicion of conspiracy to steal and remain in police custody.

In addition a number of phones and computers have been seized.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jon Saxby said: "These pre-planned warrants come as a result of a long-standing and complex investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate into the theft of and theft from HGVs.

"Although this is a Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate investigation, we have been working in partnership with colleagues from Merseyside Police, Lancashire Constabulary and North Wales Police and I would like to place on record my thanks for their support.

"The haulage industry plays a significant role in the UK economy and these warrants across the country have taken place in one day but we hope the knock-on effects to the haulage industry will be far-reaching."

Investigations are on-going.