A gang suspected of a string of car burglaries have been arrested.

The Metropolitan Police today arrested 13 people in south London in an operation targeting individuals suspected of involvement in the burglaries.

In total, 16 addresses in Croydon, Bromley, Bexley and Lewisham were raided.

Police found a large quantity of dye stained cash, a handgun, seven motor vehicles, a variety of motor vehicle spare parts, a quantity of drugs, and numerous mobile phones.

Fifty stolen cars, ranging from Aston Martin's and Mercedes through to more standard family cars, were recovered in the lead up to the operation.

The majority were no more than a year old and were taken in break-ins that occurred overnight while the owners were asleep upstairs.

The ringing network were using burglars to break into homes, mainly in the Bromley area, and steal the car keys and then take the car from the front drive or road.

The cars were later cloned and sold on for under the market prices.

The thirteen people have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to handle stolen goods and are currently in custody at a south London police station.

Detective Superintendent Martin Huxley, who is co-ordinating the operation from Bromley, said: "We saw a concerning increase in this style of burglary on the borough.

"It was particularly worrying because the victims were at home when the burglary happened.

"Today's operation has targeted all those suspected of being involved in this criminal network.

"We are committed to taking action against anyone who perpetrates these crimes, however we'd urge the public to take a few precautions as well.”

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