TRADERS expressed delight today as the spending rush neared its Christmas climax while police announced dozens of arrests in a special operation to stop those who steal, steal, steal. While Blackburn's newly-refurbished centre is attracting more shoppers local police are counting the cost of crime in Operation Christmas Cracker.

They have carried out more than 50 arrests - for shoplifting, robbery, drug possession and deception - since November 28.

And the seasonal crackdown has been welcomed by retailers enjoying a booming seasonal spree.

Sunday shopping has been voted a success this year and, coupled with the first-ever Santa's grotto in Victoria Court, the numbers of customers visiting the town has shot up.

The Teletubbies craze is dominating children's toy sales, while lingerie, perfumes and electronic gadgets are proving popular with adults.

Shopping centre manager Mr Eamonn Furlong said: "People are coming into town for their Christmas shopping this year, instead of going to the out-of-town complexes and we are delighted."

And Sgt Alan Holt, of Blackburn's crime prevention department, is equally impressed by his own festive figures. He said: "We have four or five extra officers on the town centre beat each day and, with the CCTV system and radio links, security is improving all the time.

"There has been a positive response - better than last year." The crime-cutting scheme is being run in conjunction with town centre management, Blackburn Chamber of Trade and the Association for the Prevention of Theft in Shops.

Mrs Rita Wakeley, Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade co-ordinator, said: "We are pleased that people seem to enjoy shopping in Blackburn this year.

"Happy shoppers spend more money and, with a large number of traders depending on the Christmas spree to survive, the festive boost is vital."

Police are warning people to avoid putting up Christmas decorations close to, or even hanging from, intruder alarms in shops, offices and homes.

The Blackburn Division has responded to around 1,000 false alarms since the start of December sparked by trimmings which have accidentally activated infra-red signals outside normal hours.

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