A Christmas crime crackdown is being carried out by police in Lichfield.
The local policing team is launching a festive campaign as part of Operation Impact to reassure shoppers.
Officers will be out and about in uniform and plain clothes in Lichfield city centre during the festive period in a bid to repeat a similar crackdown last Christmas which saw shoplifting fall by 30 per cent.
Inspector Jed White said: “A lot of planning with partners has gone into Operation Impact to ensure that Lichfield is a safe and enjoyable place for shoppers to visit this Christmas.
“Many extra shoppers will visit Lichfield city centre as Christmas approaches and we’re urging them to take simple steps to protect their purses, wallets, bags and cars.
“Officers will be out and about to combat crime across Lichfield and Burntwood. They’ve also been visiting elderly people in the area – who are typically the most vulnerable to purse and bag thefts – to offer crime prevention advice in the run-up to Christmas.
“Our message to offenders is simple: if you plan to target Lichfield this Christmas don’t bother. You will be arrested and prosecuted.”
Anyone with information about crime should contact Staffordshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
