CRIME levels dropped to zero when police officers took to the streets as part of a blitz on purse crime in a seaside town.

Around a dozen officers patrolled Redcar, east Cleveland, to launch Operation Purge, after a spate of purse thefts from elderly and vulnerable shoppers.

Plain-clothes undercover officers and uniformed officers targeted known hot-spot areas, including arcades and charity shops.

And the strong police presence paid off, as no crimes were reported.

Officers carried out 20 stop searches of known criminals, with one male and female arrested for theft and deception, and one male arrested for indecent exposure in the town's public toilets.

Local shops and businesses were involved in the operation, with each connected to a radio system to report any trouble that started.

Sergeant John Hemsworth said: "Over the past few weeks there have been several incidents where people have been coming in to the town and targeting older, vulnerable, people by snatching their purses."

Inspector Dave Mead, of Redcar police, urged shoppers to be vigilant. He said: "Be aware of people standing near you - banging in to you.

"Just be aware of your personal space - if people are standing around and something is not right move away and inform staff.

"Keep bags locked and purses out of sight.

"These people (thieves) are quick and will exploit people's complacency. If you are not on guard they will exploit it."