A police operation targeting recidivist offenders and dangerous driving in the ACT has made 139 arrests and laid more than 300 charges.

Detective Inspector Shane Scott from ACT Policing said Operation Toric – which began in August – is having a marked effect on crime rates across the ACT.

“Since it started, 150 apprehensions, nearly ten a week, have been made,” Detective Inspector Scott said.

“Not only are we directly stopping recidivist behaviour by apprehending people, hopefully other people are reconsidering criminal behaviour.

“Last week, the number of reported residential burglaries, commercial burglaries and stolen motor vehicles were all in the single-digit range.

“Putting it simply, fewer people are now committing these types of crime.”

According to ACT Policing, 355 charges have been laid since the operation began, including 59 charges for drug driving, 32 charges for driving whilst disqualified or suspended, 42 for stealing, riding in, or driving a stolen motor vehicle.

Of the offenders apprehended by police, 44 were on bail, 19 were on good behaviour bonds, three were on intensive correction orders, nine were on parole and 24 were on warrants for previous offences.

“Of the people apprehended more than once, one man has been arrested four times by Operation TORIC officers, he is now in custody, awaiting trial,” Inspector Scott said.

“Fifteen others have been apprehended twice.”