THREE villages are hoping for a crime-free Christmas this year thanks to anti-burglary patrols.
Operation Edenthorpe is an annual initiative run by the Neighbourhood Watches in the villages of Stillington, Huby and Sutton-on-the-Forest.
Starting on Monday and covering the run-up to Christmas, people will take part in anti-burglary patrols in the villages.
They will be supported by police and community support officers.
The civilians will not approach suspicious individuals or vehicles, but will call for police back-up.
Inspector Val Broadley said: "It is all about making it plain to the thieves that the community is ready for them, and that there are eyes watching out for them everywhere."
In 2002, the scheme ran successfully in Sutton. Last year, it was extended to include Huby and Stillington. During the course of last year's campaign, there were no burglaries in the villages.
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