A CLAMPDOWN on shoplifters over the festive period has left many criminals feeling a sense of bah humbug.

Operation Scrooge saw Neighbourhood Policing Team Officers join forces with PCSOs, members of Redcar Business Against Crime (RBAC), the Redcar and Cleveland Council and the town centre Manager, Pat Cambage, to tackle the problem.

Inspector Andrew Bright said: "I am delighted with this year's success. The campaign has gone from strength to strength enabling us to yet again reduce crime in the town centre in the run up to Christmas.

"There was a 26 per cent reduction in retail crime, down from 23 crimes to 17 over the same period last year, also we only had one reported theft from the person and one theft from a vehicle in the town centre.

"Through this operation we have also raised our visibility on the streets providing reassurance to people visiting and working in the town centre at what is traditionally a busy time of the year." RBAC scheme coordinator Natasha Mitchell added: "The operation went really well again this year and provided retailers and their staff with increased confidence knowing that the police and partners were taking an proactive stance against persons who might be intent on taking advantage during this busy trading period."

And Redcar Town Centre Manager Pat Cambage added: "The partnership approach with the Police, Retailers, the Council and the Scheme Manager Tash Mitchell has proved a continuing success."