POLICE in Stockton are carrying out a Christmas operation to foil thieves who take advantage of shoppers laden with presents.

There will be additional officers on patrol each day from December 15 until January, with extra help from community support officers and trainee constables.

They will carry out patrols in the town centre and Teesside Retail Park, and in and around the car parks, and will be in close contact with store detectives, security and retail staff who will use security cameras to track offenders.

The crime prevention vehicle will be in car parks around the town, on the look-out for criminals intent on stealing goods from cars.

Detective Constable Eddie Lincoln, crime reduction officer at Stockton, said: "We want people to feel safe when shopping in Stockton.

"While we will be there to offer reassurance to the public, we also need the public to be more vigilant by ensuring they keep presents in their vehicles out of sight.

"There will be no Christmas cheer for those who get caught, so the message to the criminals is to stay away."