Police patrols are being doubled to combat Christmas criminals in Colchester town centre.

An extra team of officers will be monitoring pickpockets, shoplifters and villains trying to take advantage of the spirit of Christmas.

Normally six PCs and an inspector monitor the town, supported by seven PCSOs.

For the next few weeks, another six PCs will be moved to the centre and be supported by volunteers from the Special Constabulary.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Operation Christmas Cracker is beginning early this year.”

The operation is being supported by shop security, Colchester Council’s CCTV team and several other organisations.

Last year, ten crimes a day were reported in the square from Cowdray Avenue to Balkerne Hill to Southway and East Hill.

Chief Insp Richard Phillibrown, district commander for Colchester, said: “Colchester is one of the primary retail sites in the county and also a cosmopolitan town for evening entertainment.

“During the busy approach to the festive season, Operation Christmas Cracker will involve policing support to retail and entertainment venues working in partnership to provide a service to the public. We will deal with the those who commit crime and we will support the public.”

Purse and shop thefts along with night-time violence often increase during December, due partly to the large numbers of people enjoying what Colchester has to offer.

Crime reduction officer Stephen Armson-Smith has come up with some top tips to stop shoppers falling victim during the festive season.

In particular he wants people to ask the question: “Where’s my purse?”

He said: “Don’t leave purses on shop counters. Don’t leave open bags. Don’t leave purses unattended.

“Keep your bag and purse in front and be aware of your surroundings.”