POLICE, stores and closed circuit television (CCTV) camera operators have launched a Christmas crackdown on shoplifters in Darlington.

Late-night shopping in the town begins tomorrow, and the campaign to catch thieves is being stepped up because more shoplifting occurs over the festive season - when shops are full of goods and bustling with people.

The crackdown coincides with a police anti-crime initiative, Operation Dowse, which has been running in Darlington town centre since mid-October. It has already netted 42 people, many of them suspected shoplifters, and recovered almost £1,000 in stolen property.

This Christmas marks ten years since Darlington's CCTV system was launched by Darlington Borough Council.

Over the decade 4,000 people have been arrested as a result of the system. Many were spotted stealing from stores.

Yesterday, a council spokesman said: "We will be more vigilant over the Christmas period and we link up with the police directly to let them know about any incidents."

The council's CCTV control room in the Town Hall is monitored 24 hours a day - and security guards across the town are linked via the Crime Net system.

Albion Small, manager of the Cornmill Shopping Centre, said his security guards would be working extra shifts over Christmas.

He said: "Shoplifting is a problem all the time, but it is brought home at Christmas because of the sheer amount stolen. There is more opportunity for people to steal with the shops full of people."

The shopping centre has its own CCTV system and also uses plain-clothes detectives to catch light-fingered crooks in the act.

Louise Toms, town centre manager, said: "At this time of year Crime Net is very vigilant.

"The scheme has 80 members in the town centre and it has proved to be very successful over the last few years."

Operation Dowse has involved police officers in high-visibility and plain clothes patrols and in direct contact with security staff. It will continue until Christmas.

A police spokeswoman said: "We hope that the presence of uniformed officers will both reassure members of the public, shopkeepers and business people in the town and deter those who go into premises intent on committing crime.