Police made 24 arrests and stopped more than 100 vehicles during a operation to tackle rogue traders in Northamptonshire yesterday.
The Operation Guardian day also saw officers tackle burglars and vehicle crime.
Criminals were arrested for theft of motor vehicle, handling stolen goods, cannabis cultivation, assault, possession of indecent images and failure to appear at court.
A total of 51 warrants were executed, 107 vehicles were stopped and checked, residents were visited in areas identified as hot spots for burglary and vehicle crime.
Chief Superintendent Paul Fell said: “We acknowledge that burglaries and vehicle crime have increased in Northamptonshire. These types of offences can be very personal to the victim and we are working hard to reverse this trend by carrying out days like yesterday.”
In Northampton, a play about distraction burglaries was held at The Guildhall, Northampton.
Crime Prevention Manager Laura Jones said: “We welcomed about 100 people to the event, which was held as part of the national day of action to clamp down on rogue trading.
“Evidence strongly suggests that there are links between those who are involved in rogue trading and those who commit distraction burglary.
“In the last 12 months there were 28 distraction burglaries and six attempted distraction burglaries in Northamptonshire.”
A total of 47 vehicles were stopped as part of an ANPR operation and 22 vehicles were seized.
Two men, aged 19 and 20, were arrested for theft from motor vehicle, one man was arrested for driving whilst disqualified.
Another man was arrested for failing to appear at court.
Chief Superintendent Fell added: “The day was about us being visible, meeting people to spread the crime prevention word, and to send a clear message to thieves that burglary and vehicle crime will not be tolerated.”