Policing team set up to target prolific offenders in Fenland has made 25 arrests

A policing team created to target some of the most prolific offenders in Fenland and Peterborough has made 25 arrests in its first month.

The Spree Offender Team was launched in July with the aim of apprehending persistent offenders and preventing further crimes from taking place.

The team will target perpetrators of high-volume crimes such as thefts from shops, non-dwelling burglaries, cycle crime and thefts from vehicles.

The 25 arrests have led to 91 charges, with some offenders already receiving custodial sentences.

Of the thefts, the value of items stolen was more than £9,000.

They will work closely with partners, including the local authority and probation services, as well as engaging with local businesses.

Officers will focus on people who are suspected of committing five or more offences in a six-week period, or who are believed likely to continue offending based on recent behaviour.

Cambridge implemented a Spree Offender Team in September 2023, and the successes of the approach have resulted in a second team being created in the north of the county.

DCI Chris O’Brien said: “I’m delighted we have established a Spree Offender Team for Peterborough and Fenland as we aim to target prolific perpetrators of crime.

“The team have already had some fantastic results, and it’s clear from our experiences in Cambridge that this approach works.

“They complement, not replace, the wider policing effort to bring offenders to justice, as well as protecting and reassuring our communities.

“We recognise the impact offences such as theft have on victims, businesses and employers, including financial loss, abuse, threats and intimidation. We will continue to do all we can to identify people who commit these offences and bring them before the courts.”