MOUNTED police are returning to a town in a bid to crack down on Christmas crime.
Northumbria Police launched Operation Lapland in Gateshead yesterday.
Horseback patrols will be supported by plain-clothed officers. There will also be more officers on the Metro.
Similar operations run before Christmas in previous years have been successful in reducing crime.
Gateshead East Community Policing Sergeant, Craig Crowther, who is running the operation, said: "This initiative builds on the strong police presence which we already have in the town centre.
"The Shopwatch scheme is very active and retailers work very closely with the police."
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