EXTRA police patrols will make for harder criminal pickings this Christmas.

Thieves will face the full force of the law in the Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley, Golborne and Hindley centres as police chiefs work to make it a happy shopping Christmas.

Leigh Supt Malcolm Howells hopes the strategies of his top officers will encourage more shoppers to go into the centres in the knowledge that they are safe.

Increased patrols will be on duty over Christmas and into the New Year. The police team will include uniformed officers, detectives, the Tactical Aid Unit, mounted officers, the motor cycle wing and traffic unit.

The full range of criminal activity will be tackled: shop lifters, pick pockets, car thieves and anyone guilty of 'anti-social' behaviour.

And Mr Howells is urging shoppers to help by not leaving brief cases, purses, bags and presents on display in cars.

"Together with the help of the public and local businesses, we are working to make our town centres safe and pleasant environments for families to visit and shop in over the Christmas and New Year period," said Mr Howells.

And Ch Insp Brian Wroe said police would also be working to ensure the safety of late night revellers at pubs, clubs and restaurants.

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