POLICE are launching a crackdown on travelling shoplifting gangs in the run-up to Christmas in east Durham.

Officers have warned thieves to expect a frosty reception in Seaham, after launching an operation yesterday with town centre stores that will continue throughout the festive shopping period.

The initiative, now in its fourth year, targets local thieves and travelling gangs of shoplifters using patrols of uniformed and plain-clothes officers.

The town's major stores will also be linked to an early warning system so traders can alert each other and pass on information about known thieves.

In 1998, there were 25 reported thefts from shops in Seaham in the four weeks leading up to Christmas, but since then the operation has brought the number down to ten last year.

According to police, the most persistent out-of-town shoplifting teams usually travel to the town from Hartlepool and Peterlee, and from the Ryhope and Hendon areas of Sunderland.

There is also a problem with local drug users stealing small items such as toiletries, food and children's clothing.

PC Andy Wilkinson said: "The regular patrols and the vigilance of the stores have together made a real impact on the number of thefts. The extra police presence on the streets has also helped us solve other, unrelated crimes and reduce various types of nuisance or anti-social behaviour.

"We are on our guard and determined to make life uncomfortable for any thieves thinking of heading into Seaham. Anyone we catch can expect to be prosecuted."