A MUSICAL policeman is hoping shopping centres and stores across Teesside will be getting in the Christmas spirit to help cut crime.

The Castlegate Centre in Stockton has already agreed to play songs performed by Inspector Eric Robinson of Cleveland Police and it is hoped others will follow soon.

The words of two festive favourites have been rewritten and Insp Robinson has spent time in a recording studio to produce a CD for stores to play.

The songs, Christmas Thieves are Coming to Town and Have Yourselves a Crime Free Happy Christmas, warn people not to leave their houses in darkness or leave presents on show in cars.

Stockton Crime Prevention Officer DC Eddie Lincoln said: "It is light-hearted but there is a very serious side to this.

"Every year people fall victim to opportunist thieves and have Christmas presents and valuables stolen from their homes and cars.

"Follow the simple advice on offer and your home can be more secure and a lot of the heartache that comes with crime at this time of year can be avoided."