CHRISTMAS shoppers in Middlesbrough will have the added protection of rapid response officers on hand to crack down on street crime.

The squads will bolster the number of officers patrolling the town centre during the festive period.

The extra bobbies are from the force's Don't Walk By initiative, which was set up to combat anti-social behaviour and street crime.

Assistant Chief Constable Derek Bonnard said: "Christmas shopping in our town centres is now coming to a peak, as everyone seeks to get ready for the festive season. Unfortunately, this also attracts the thieves, drunks and troublemakers.

"The last thing we want is for people to be harassed, abused or assaulted.

"We will come down heavily on those who think that their behaviour should be accepted or ignored.

"We will not walk by nor turn a blind eye to such activities. We want people to be able to enjoy this time of year and shop and socialise safely and enjoyably."

The highly-visible patrols will be on the streets throughout the weekend to reassure the expected thousands of shoppers.