A SCHEME to cut crime and disorder in a shopping centre is proving a success.

Police on South Tyneside launched Operation Lonestar over the Christmas period. Officers carried out high profile patrols of the main retail areas of South Shields.

Chief Inspector Nick Eley, operations manager, South Tyneside Area Command, said: "Officers made 24 arrests for a number of offences including shop theft, drunkenness, public disorder and drugs offences.

"They conducted more than 50 searches and assisted in reports of 20 breaches of Metro bylaws for non-payment and smoking. Residents and businesses have welcomed this increased police presence targeted at one of their busiest times of the year."

Operation Lonestar, which has been running for a year, focuses resources at locations across the borough. It uses intelligence reports, CID officers and high-profile unifor-med officers to reduce crime.

Chief Insp Eley said: "This method of policing was very successful for us during last year. We are always looking for the best way to meet the policing needs of the people of South Tyneside and work towards reducing crime and the fear of crime."