POLICE officers have been scouring the streets of Bolton over the Easter period in their hunt for “bad eggs”.

Their “spring cleaning”

operation started last Monday and, in the first 48 hours, 28 people were arrested.

Offenders were detained in Bolton for a variety of offences, including robbery, drug-related crime, burglary, driving offences and domestic abuse.

Police chiefs launched the operation in response to the time of year, as the clocks go forward and days get longer, when they often see a rise in robbery, burglary and anti-social behaviour.

Officers will continue to patrol communities to keep this type of crime to a minimum during the school holiday period.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Wiggett said: “With the clocks going forward and residents being at home during the Easter break, we know it is a time when they can get more relaxed about home security. Unfortunately this provides thieves with an easy opportunity to steal property.

“We have been working hard to sweep our streets of the offenders who cause the most harm to our communities and this is reflected in the results so far. My advice to anyone who knows that they are wanted would be to hand yourself in or you will find yourself a target of our spring clean.”

He added: “Anti-social behaviour can sometimes be a problem while children are on holiday.

This is an issue we take seriously as people tell us that it can have a huge impact on their daily lives and we ask them not to hesitate to contact us if they have any concerns.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111