REDCAR'S Christmas clampdown on shoplifters and vandals has been hailed a success with more than 77 arrests made during the six-week purge.

Langbaugh Police's Operation Scrooge, which ran from December 1 to January 17, in conjunction with stores in the town, resulted in more than £1,000 of stolen property being recovered and 42 crimes detected.

A further 68 stop-checks were carried out and six exclusion orders were served on persistent offenders.