POLICE are celebrating an early victory in a battle to make a town's streets safer.
Seven people have been arrested in connection with muggings in Middlesbrough, within days of the start of a Cleveland Police operation, launched in the wake of a spate of street robberies.
The new crackdown involves extra high-visibility uniform police and plainclothes patrols.
"I am delighted that we have already caught some of those responsible for this all too common crime,'' said Detective Sergeant Andy Greenwood, who is coordinating Operation Rover.
"I now want to warn other would-be thieves that this operation will continue."
He pledged there would be no let-up in the bid to reduce street crime.
A popular technique adopted by muggers is to stop a victim in the street and ask for a cigarette or the time, before robbing them. People are urged not to produce and use mobile telephones in the street and so attract the attention of muggers, and not to stop for strangers. Women are asked to carry handbags securely with purses and valuables out of sight.
Anyone with information about street robberies should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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