VICTIMS of property crimes and well-known criminals alike can expect fresh visits from police officers as a result of a new campaign.

Stockton police said they wanted to reduce incidents of bicycle, metal and shop thefts.

Operation Logic was launched on Monday by Acting Chief Inspector Andy Fox, who said the campaign would focus on victims.

Detectives will work closely with response and neighbourhood officers in the operation.

Acting Chief Insp Fox said the idea was to show that this type of theft was not a victimless crime. He said metal theft could put lives at risk if gas meters were stolen, while businesses could be ruined and jobs lost from shop theft.

Officers will carry out extra patrols and work alongside Stockton Borough Council's enforcement team. Wellknown criminals will be spoken to and police will also contact scrap metal dealers in the town.

Victims of metal theft will be revisited to see if officers can gain further information. Residents living nearby will also be contacted to make them aware of the incident.

Acting Chief Insp Fox said: "Operation Logic aims to address the problems associated with theft across Stockton and to make a stand against thieves who see it as a victimless crime.

"Theft is not merely an inconvenience to victims, it can devastate lives and ruin businesses and we are determined to use the skills available at Stockton to deal with it."