SHOPPERS are being urged to "protect their presents" in a big police operation launched this week.

Uniformed and plain clothed officers are taking to the streets in a bid to protect people visiting Bishop Auckland, Crook and Barnard Castle, from town centre crime.

Operation Protect Your Presents started on Monday and will last throughout Christmas and well into the new year.

Detective Inspector Ted Edgar, from Bishop Auckland police, said: "Additional officers will be going into the town centres and will be seeking to arrest people committing crime.

"For the first three days of this week and the first three of next week there will be officers in Asda and Morrisons handing out crime prevention advice leaflets and advising people how to protect their homes and vehicles."

The operation is seeking to make people more aware and encourage them to be more vigilant.

Cars parked in the towns will also be targeted and those people who have left valuables on show will receive letters from the police advising them not to do so.

People buying presents are asked to take a note of the serial numbers on the gifts so that if they are stolen, the owners will be able to give the police a full description of what has been taken.

Det Insp Edgar said: "In this area we do get an increase in crime prior to and after Christmas, when people have received their gifts.

"The vast majority of crimes of this nature are done on the spur of the moment, when people can see the property.

"We are asking people to keep valuables locked up and out of sight because a locked door doesn't give ready access.''

Householders are also advised to make sure that there is a light on in the house on dark nights, even if they are not at home.

Det Insp Edgar said: "Anything that can be done to make a house look like someone is in will act as a deterrent for people who are on the lookout to commit crime.''