POLICE have launched a major new operation to try to tackle a steep rise in burglaries across the borough.

Redbridge has seen an 18 per cent rise in break-ins during the past year, with a recent report revealing that the borough now has the third worst burglary rate in London, with an average of 25 households per 1,000 falling victim.

Some of the worst hit areas are in the west of Redbridge, such as Wanstead and Snaresbrook, which have seen big rises in burglaries during the past 12 months.

Operation Undercard - which is being run jointly by Redbridge Police and officers from the Met's Territorial Support Group - is also aimed at reducing violent crime in the borough.

A police spokeswoman said: "Redbridge Police are cracking down on serious violence and residential burglary as part of Operation Undercard.

"The on-going operation which started last week has already shown a decrease in most serious violence with little being reported.

"The operation has already involved more than 30 arrests.

"Redbridge Police are pleased with the outcome of the operation so far and hopes the success of the past week will continue."