THIRTEEN people have been arrested after officers executed a series of warrants across the district of Basildon.

The ten men and three women were detained on suspicion of offences including failing to appear at court, breaches of community orders related to convictions, and failing to comply with requirements of the Sex Offenders' Register.

Officers from our Operational Support Group (OSG), gang specialists from Essex Police's south Raptor team, Basildon Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), and Specials worked together to hunt down the individuals, making arrests at addresses in Basildon town, Laindon, Wickford, Langdon Hills and Pitsea.

Officers also recovered a weapon, a small quantity of drugs, and confiscated an escooter.

Police say crime in Basildon district is down by 7.9% in the last 12 months with 1,424 fewer offences reported and Sgt Rob Mackenzie, who led the operation, said this type of proactive work is vital for keeping communities safe.

He added: "The people we arrested were wanted in connection with serious offences and it was essential we got them back in front of a court.

"These are not low-level offenders we are dealing with; some have been convicted of significant crimes.

"One of the individuals arrested was wanted on a recall to prison and has been linked to a number of offences in Essex and Norfolk. Another had breached conditions linked to a sexual assault conviction.

"If these people aren't apprehended, they will continue to offend. This sends a very clear message to anyone wanted. If there's a warrant out for you, you can't run and hide forever, we will find you and we will arrest you."