THE thieves who tried to bag a post van parked on a North-East housing estate did not stand a chance.

As they jumped into the van and made off, little did they realise that lurking among the Christmas parcels was a team of police officers.

Following a discreet distance behind were two more police motorcyclists on off-road bikes.

And as if that was not enough, the van was also under surveillance by a police helicopter.

Following a spate of thefts where thieves targeted delivery vans packed with parcels, police on Teesside have turned the tables.

Officers decided to set a trap to lure criminals into attempting to steal from two delivery vehicles as they drove around estates in Middlesbrough.

Officers hiding in the van managed to make four arrests in the first morning of the operation.

Last night, the man in charge warned would-be thieves that the sting would go on for as long as the thefts continued.

Detective Sergeant Paul Richardson, of Middlesbrough CID, said: "We couldn't believe it. In the first couple of hours we had two attacks on vans and arrested four people.

"If they try to grab a parcel out of one of these vans they are more likely to come out with a pair of handcuffs on."

Operation Wigan, which is supported by a number of courier firms, will be run throughout the Christmas period when deliveries are at a maximum.

The operation is targeting estates across Middlesbrough, including Park End, Pallister Park, Netherfields, Brambles Farm and Ormesby, after attacks started happening on a daily basis.

Bill Benyon, the head of security for Littlewoods Home Shopping, said: "We are thrilled the police are tackling this serious problem, and it just goes to show what can happen when there is co-operation between businesses and the police.

"We were delighted with the results of the first sting operation.

"At this time of year, we expect an increase in incidents of violence and threats, but we advise all our staff that their safety is the most important issue."

Det Sgt Richardson said: "We are sending out the message that attacks on delivery vans will not be tolerated. These thieves could be in for quite a surprise because they won't know if they are going to find officers in the rear of a van or not."