POLICE have targeted people suspected of handling stolen goods in a series of raids across West Yorkshire.

More than 100 officers forced their way into 40 properties yesterday - including three in Huddersfield - and seized huge quantities of items.

More than £60,000 cash was also recovered along with substantial amounts of suspected drugs and cannabis-growing equipment.

Twenty people were arrested including a 20-year-old man from Almondbury who was later released on bail.

Two houses were raided in Almondbury and one in Birkby.

The action was part of Operation Shutdown launched last December in a bid to trace thousands of items stolen during robberies, burglaries and thefts from cars across the county.

Operation Shutdown has already led to the recovery of stolen items worth tens of thousands of pounds which can now be returned to their owners or passed on to the insurance company if the victims have already been paid out.

Det Chief Insp John Gilbody from the Major Crime Unit said: "People seem to find it all too easy to excuse this type of offence, but it's important we remember the impact the initial theft must have had on the rightful owner.

"This is not a victimless crime. The stolen items may originate from a violent robbery which has left a victim with physical and emotional distress.

"We have reminded those we believe to be responsible of the impact these actions have on the victim.

"We have entered their houses without their permission.

"We have taken "their" property without their permission and we will continue to do this while the problem remains."

The operation also focuses on money found at the homes of anyone dealing in stolen property.

Any money which cannot be accounted for is seized until the "owner" can prove it is legally theirs.

This type of action has led to millions of pounds being recovered from criminals in West Yorkshire.

Crimestoppers Regional Co-ordinator Ian Froggett said: "If there was no market for stolen goods then the offenders would soon give up the trade.

"If you fund this industry it's only a matter of time before it catches up with you."

Anyone with information about stolen property should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously.

Calls are not taped or traced and no police will call.