POLICE in Hyndburn are warning shoppers to take extra care at Christmas time, or face being robbed.

PC Andy Liptrott, Hyndburn's crime prevention officer, today revealed that more and more people are shopping earlier and earlier in a bid to avoid the Christmas rush.

But as Accrington fills up with shoppers, the risk of being robbed of a handbag, or losing a wallet to a pick-pocket, increase.

Last Christmas crime rates doubled in Accrington compared to the previous year. During an operation police recorded 24 incidents of violent crime and 34 shoplifting offences, but put the increase down to methods of recording crime.

Today PC Liptrott offered locals a few hints on how to keep safe in the busy festive season.

He said: "At Christmas people tend to carry more money with them. People are shopping earlier and earlier for Christmas, trying to avoid the rush and the clamour for goods in shops.

"But with greater numbers if people in the town centres it's easier for a pick-pocket to steal things."

Over the past few years police in Hyndburn have launched operations in the run-up to Christmas to try and reduce festive crime, with Operation Ebeneezer run last year.

But PC Liptrott revealed that shoppers are not the only ones at risk in the Christmas period. Households which leave Christmas presents on display at home can also be targeted by thieves.

During the Christmas period in 2002, police in Hyndburn received reports of 47 domestic burglaries.

PC Liptrott said: "I would like people to lock their doors. The opportunist criminal will go down a street of terraced houses and try every door handle. He will find one or two that are open.

"Christmas is good will to all men, but don't make it so easy for thieves. Put the purse at the bottom of your handbag. On the violence side, with the evening drawing in, try to stay to lit areas and keep in twos or threes rather than being on your own."