A CHRISTMAS crack down on offenders has been hailed a huge success.

Cheshire Police arrested 33 offenders on the first day of Operation Hatay yesterday.

Teams from around the force are coming together to target offenders wanted by police and the courts.

Cheshire Police take this issue seriously as it leaves many victims and communities unable to move on with their lives, because justice has not yet been allowed to take place.

Supt Pete Crowcroft said: "Force operations sent a dozen officers into Merseyside and beyond to knock early and loud on doors while staff from our neighourhood teams concentrated on Cheshire based offenders.

"It was very impressive to see that no stone was left unturned and no word from other occupants at addresses taken on face value."

The 33 people arrested as part of Operation Hatay included suspects wanted for a range of offences including burglary, serious assault, shoplifting, domestic violence and arson.

Operation Hatay runs until Christmas Eve.

If you know of someone who is wanted by the courts or by the police, contact police on 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.