POLICE are to step up patrols on South Tyneside in a Christmas crime crackdown.

Operation Noel begins today, and involves officers working with partners in the town centres of South Shields, Jarrow and Hebburn.

The main shopping areas of South Shields and Jarrow's Viking Centre will be the main focus of the operation.

Car parks and Metro and bus services will be targeted as thousands of shoppers flood in.

Closed-circuit television will monitor the crowds to spot thieves and troublemakers.

Officers will work closely with the Shopwatch scheme, which uses radio links to warn of the presence of known thieves.

They will also link with the Pubwatch scheme, with many pubs, clubs and hotels expected to be packed with people in the party spirit.

Chief Inspector Glyn Williams said: "We want to ensure that people coming into the area for shopping and leisure can do so in complete safety.

"We won't just be concentrating on the main shopping streets, but also the approach roads into the town centres.

"Obviously, we will be paying particular attention to car parking areas to make sure thieves don't get the chance to prey on our shoppers and visitors.