The toll of those arrested in a co-ordinated day of police action has risen to 69.

Officers raided homes in a targeted operation spearheaded by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

Those believed to be involved in burglary, vehicle and metal theft, handling stolen goods, and drug supply, were targeted.

A total of 31 arrests were made throughout Kent, with a further 38 in Essex.

Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Wilson, who leads the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "I'd like to thank colleagues across both counties who have supported the operation.

"Today's activity has involved a great deal of team work and I'm very grateful to all who have helped.

"Today's operation sends a clear message to those who think it is acceptable to come to our counties to commit crime: you are not welcome, we will find you, and you can expect to spend time in custody."

This is the second large-scale day of action co-ordinated by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate since it was set up last June.

The directorate is one of the largest divisions in UK policing dedicated to tackling serious and organised crime, with more than 1,100 officers and staff working together across both counties.

Arrests in Kent today include

• A 37-year-old man from Canterbury arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and cultivation of cannabis.
• A 19 year old man from Gravesend was arrested on suspicion of breach of bail conditions and interfering/tampering with motor vehicles. Now charged and bailed to court
• A 53 year old man from Rochester arrested on suspicion of burglary offences. Now released without charge.
• A 17 year old boy from Gravesend arrested on suspicion of money laundering
• A 35 year old man from Gravesend arrested on suspicion of fraud. Now cautioned.
• A 43 year old woman from Dartford arrested on suspicion of assault
  A 36 year old man from Dartford arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. Now released without charge.
• A 14 year old boy from Tunbridge Wells arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. Now issued with final warning.
• A 19 year old man from Dartford was arrested and interviewed in relation to a shoplifting offence
• A 30 year old man from Dartford arrested on suspicion of theft and cultivation of cannabis. Now bailed.
• A 28 year old woman from Dartford arrested on suspicion of theft and cultivation of cannabis. Now released without charge.
• A 24 year old woman from Greenhithe arrested on suspicion of harassment
• A 21 year old man from Swanley, arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle
• A 25 year old woman from Folkestone arrested in relation to revoke of licence
• A 46 year old man from Gravesend arrested on suspicion of possessing a false passport
• A 54 year old man from Chatham arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis.
• A 42 year old woman from Gravesend, arrested on suspicion of theft
• A 39 year old woman from Swanley, arrested on suspicion of driving off without paying for fuel
• A 17 year old boy from Gillingham, arrested on suspicion of driving whilst disqualified and taking a vehicle without consent. Now charged and remanded to court.
• A 31 year old man from Deal, arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis
• A 28 year old woman from Deal arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis
• A 17 year old boy from Gillingham arrested on suspicion of burglary. Now bailed.
• A 44 year old man from Gillingham arrested on suspicion of criminal damage
• A 17 year old boy from Gillingham arrested on suspicion of burglary. Issued with final warning.
• A 24 year old man from Gillingham, arrested for breach of bail. Now charged and bailed to Court.
• A 42 year old woman from Chatham, arrested on suspicion of burglary
• A 48 year old man from Dover, arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply
• A 47 year old man of no fixed address in Kent, arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. Issued with caution.
• Two 16 year old boys and an 18 year old man from Gillingham, arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.