A POWERFUL police operation brought a “ring of steel” around a town in a crackdown on criminals.

Seven men were arrested, including four in connection to burglaries, as part of Operation Mineral.

The two days of action in Harwich and Dovercourt saw local officers using special resources on Tuesday, January 15 and Wednesday, January 16.

Four were arrested on suspicion of dwelling burglary, one on suspicion of shoplifting, one for driving while disqualified, and one for a public order.

Cannabis warnings were issued to five people who were found possessing the drug, while two vehicles were seized for having no insurance.

Meanwhile, stop checks and searches were carried out on people believed to be involved in crime and hot spots known for illegal activity were patrolled.

An automatic number plate recognition device was also deployed in Harwich and the surrounding area to help with the operation.