POLICE chiefs, who have been reviewing their Christmas security operation, say the combination use of CCtv, Shopwatch, the new Radiolink and police activity was a 'phenomenal success'.
Det Ch Insp Mike Whiting said shopkeepers, using the 'rogues gallery' photo album and radio link, were able to track potential offenders across town - 'hounding' them out of the shopping centre.
A spin-off during the festive period was quickly finding an eight-years-old boy who had been separated from his parents while shopping.
"Thanks to the radio link the boy was quickly back with his grateful parents," said Mr Whiting.
There were 18 arrests during the Christmas initiative.
"But we will never know how many criminals we kept out of town," said Leigh Police chief Malcolm Howells.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article