POLICE in Lancaster are planning a massive crack down against villains on the run up to Christmas.

Extra police and more resources are being drafted into the city in an effort to combat thieves who target busy shopping areas at this time of year.

Local bobbies are being supported by businesses, the council and others involved in community safety.

Insp Andy Rhodes, who is responsible for policing the city centre, said: "We intend to make this a high profile campaign to send out a clear message to villains to stay away from Lancaster. We want local people to enjoy their Christmas and to feel safe in the streets as they shop. As part of the operation, officers from both the constabulary and the council will be tackling incidents of anti-social behaviour and violent crime as well as dealing with shoplifters and pickpockets."

He added: "All these people conspire to make local people feel vulnerable and this is wrong. We will make it clear to them that they are not welcome in the build up to the Christmas celebrations. "

For extra reassurance, traffic wardens and car park attendants will be keeping a close watch on parked vehicles and will be reporting anyone seen acting suspiciously.

There will be extra police patrols during the later shopping evenings and outside the city's pubs and clubs.

Local licensees are supporting the efforts and have signed up to the new Pubwatch Scheme which aims to discourage drunken disorder and anti-social behaviour.

Under the scheme, anyone found drunk and behaving badly in one pub will be automatically barred from all other licensed premises within the city centre.

Sgt Tony Murphy and PC Chris Whitehead of the city centre team explained: "This is not only a police operation because it involves everyone in the local community and with their support we are determined to make Lancaster a safer and more attractive place for people to enjoy."