Police were threatened with a machete and chased criminals down dark alleyways in a week-long operation that led to eight people being arrested, including Barnet’s most wanted burglar.

Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team targeted burglaries from shops and offices in Barnet High Street and Tally Ho Corner.

During the operation, officers arrested eight people for offences including affray, possessing an offensive weapon, handling stolen goods, going armed, obstructing police, burglary and not paying fines.

They also carried out 71 stop and searches and seized one vehicle.

In the week after the operation there have been no offences yet reported in the targeted areas.

Detective Inspector Gordon King of Barnet Neighbourhood Policing Team said the operation was an example of neighbourhood policing in action.

He added: "A pattern of night time burglaries was identified and the Neighbourhood Policing Teams responded swiftly and effectively with tactics that stopped the offences dead in their tracks.

"There were a number of individuals who were looking to commit crime in my area who ended up in the cells at Colindale."

DI King commended his officers for their commitment and professionalism displayed during this operation.

He added: "I had my officers threatened with a machete, chasing suspects through the network of dark alleyways and we also arrested Barnet's most wanted burglar."

The senior officer urged business owners and residents to also do their bit by securing their properties.

He added: "During the small hours of the night whilst on foot patrol we saw a number of vulnerable premises with windows and doors left open.

"For crime prevention advice, please contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team."