A MOBILE police station is to be situated in a town centre to tackle the rise in festive shoplifting.

The community policing bus will be parked in various locations around Broadway, Accrington, to provide a high visibility police presence that should deter thieves.

The action is part of Operation Shepherd which is aimed at cutting crime in the town centre. A similar bus proved successful last year but was too large to be moved swiftly.

The current bus is smaller and can be easily relocated to target identified hotspots.

Sgt Ian Corbett said: "Since October last year we have seen a steady increase in shoplifting offences being committed in and around the town centre areas.

"There has also been a problem with purse dipping. There has been a rise in the last couple of months and we feel that could spiral with the number of shoppers increasing in the run up to Christmas."

Officers will be able to work directly from the bus, cutting call-out times. Plain clothes officers will also be circulating in the town.

Offences have also increased in areas on the outskirts of town, particularly at supermarkets. Police patrols will be stepped up at Asda and Lidl - two of the worst hit stores.

Sgt Corbett added: "It is worthy of note that of the fifteen recent offences committed at the Lidl store all offenders were arrested and dealt with positively.

"This should act as a stern warning to any potential offender and my message to you is that we will catch and prosecute you.

"We also have the shop watch scheme which will see all offenders being banned from named stores within the town centre. What impact would being banned from all of Accrington's retail outlets have on your Christmas?"