THREE people have been arrested as part of an operation designed to hound burglars in the run up to Christmas.

Police have been taking part in Operation Bright Shadow which sees them following their most prolific offenders as they go about their day-to-day lives.

They are all given a warning letter before the police follow them around armed with a video camera.

The operation was launched on Wednesday and since then two 15-year-old boys from Pitsea were arrested on on suspicion of theft of a pedal cycle. They have both been bailed until Monday, January 10.

A 27-year-old man from Pitsea was arrested on suspicion of breaching a court order. He is currently being questioned in police custody.