Five people were arrested in a series of raids targeting a car crime conspiracy.

All were detained yesterday in connection with alleged stolen vehicles worth tens of thousands of pounds.

Police swooped on numerous homes and businesses in a string of raids in Kirklees and in Bradford, linked to so-called Hanoi-style burglaries and the theft of high-powered, performance cars.

In such raids, thieves break into premises to steal car keys before driving off in the vehicles.

The early-morning raids were carried out at Dewsbury Road, Cleckheaton; Brighton Street, Heckmondwike; St Mary’s Avenue and Tor Avenue both in Wyke; and Allerton, Bradford.

Four men aged 20, 22, 23 and 24 and a 30-year-old woman were arrested in the raids.

The operation is investigating at least 17 Hanoi burglaries from homes across Kirklees including Deighton, Sheepridge, Dewsbury, Gomersal and Scholes in Cleckheaton.

Police said some of the cars stolen included a VW Golf, a Seat Leon, a VW Tiguan and a Mazda 6.

Det Sgt Scott Hartley, of Kirklees CID, said: “Four men and one woman have been arrested on suspicion of burglary in connection with the alleged theft of high value motor vehicles from across Kirklees.

“The alleged offences occurred between April last year and January this year.

“Investigations have been ongoing into the alleged conspiracy for many months and part of those enquiries have led to suspects now being arrested.”

The burglaries are called Hanoi after Operation Hanoi, the first to crack down on this sort of crime.

Police confirmed last night that all those detained had been arrested on suspicion conspiracy to burgle. They were being interviewed and were held in custody.