POLICE are asking members of the public to report people who are selling goods in pubs and clubs because they could be stolen.

Officers are making the appeal in response to the early success of Operation Gaunt an anti-burglary crackdown recently launched in the troubled High Wycombe areas of Downley and Totteridge.

Thames Valley Police want people to report individuals who are selling items and goods at suspiciously knock-down prices in odd places.

Inspector Richard List, High Wycombe's sector commander, said: "We have received a great deal of information on people we believe are carrying out burglaries but we have received less information on those disposing of the stolen goods.

"I firmly believe that what is stolen locally is disposed of locally whether it is in pubs or clubs or other places where people meet.

"We are extremely keen to clamp down on those 'fencing' these goods and I would appeal to the public to help us do that."

Operation Gaunt aims to slash the amount in burglaries in Downley and Totteridge through a combination of intelligence gathering, targeting known criminals and the use of high-profile police patrols.

Officers made 27 arrests in the first six days of the initiative and claim to have seen a dramatic reduction in the burglary rate.

Insp List added: "This is a salutary reminder to both the police and the community of what can be achieved through teamwork and the effective use of operational officers."

Anyone with information on the selling on of stolen goods should call Insp List at High Wycombe Police Station on 01494 465888