SHOPPERS in Redcar can hunt for Christmas presents this year knowing that thieves will not spoil the festive season - thanks to a scheme by Cleveland Police.
Operation Scrooge is a joint effort by Redcar police, Redcar Town Centre Management and Redcar Business Association.
The aim is to prevent shoplifting and purse snatches in the town centre, to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, and to reduce car crime.
Police will be carrying out high profile and plain-clothed patrols, and will be aided by mounted officers. They will be in close contact with store detectives, security and retail staff, who will be using the CCTV radio link scheme to track offenders.
Forty five shops have joined an exclusion order scheme, meaning anyone caught shoplifting in one store, will be banned from the other 44.
Sergeant Nigel McCartney, who is coordinating the operation, said: "We want people to feel free to shop in Redcar and will be very proactive in dealing with those who come into the town to steal."
Pat Denney, chairman of Redcar Business Association, said: "This is a combined and committed partnership."
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