SHOPPERS have been urged to beware of Christmas crooks as they start to splash the cash in the run up to the festive period.

That is the message from Lancashire Police, who are encouraging people to think of crime prevention as the annual rush begins.

Every year the festive season is spoiled for many people who fall victim to criminals.

But police believe the pain, loss and anxiety could be avoided if people took a few simple precautions.

Their advice to shoppers is:

Don't flash the cash - keep money private.

Don't keep purses and wallets in shopping bags.

Don't pile up presents in cars and leave them unattended.

Don't leave gifts on open view under Christmas trees.

Don't ignore suspicious packages.

Advice is also being offered to shopkeepers, who are often targeted by thieves during the busy Christmas period.

Operation Christmas Cracker, a high-profile campaign to stop shoplifting in Blackburn town centre, has just been launched by the police in conjunction with traders and security staff.

But police say there are measures which shopkeepers can take to cut down the risk.

They say:

Don't pile excessive stock on the sales floor.

Make sure all alarm systems are working.

Ensure all CCTV systems are working and change the tapes regularly.

Be vigilant - report all suspicious or unusual behaviour

Supt Clive Helliwell, in charge of police operations, said: "I'm sure a great deal of heartache will be avoided if shoppers and traders apply some of these tips."

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