Bishop Auckland Police carried out a series of raids recently, arresting suspected members of an organised gang who are believed to be behind a number of ram raids.
Over 100 officers took part in the operation, which involved premises in West Auckland and Tindale, as well as Escomb and Darlington.
It is thought that the five men arrested were involed in a raid on a Spar store in Northumberland, where £24,000 in cash and cigarettes were stolen.
Men from River Walk, Tindale Crescent and Aclet Close were released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
