Ref. 28027-54POLICE have launched a Christmas crackdown on crooks - and have warned villains will face Christmas dinner in the cells if caught.

Extra officers will be drafted in for town centre and Old Town patrols as police target shoplifters and car thieves.

And instead of enjoying a traditional turkey lunch with all the trimmings in the company of loved ones, criminals planning to strike this month are being told to expect standard prison fare behind bars.

Many will come up against Sgt Bill Haley of central police station, who is Swindon's patrol sergeant.

He said: "The courts will not be open much over Christmas so people can expect a nice long stay with us and we certainly won't be serving turkey."

If there is no room at Westlea station, prisoners will be diverted to the central station, which is occasionally used when cell spaces run low.

Under normal circumstances, the two stations can hold 40 prisoners.

In the event of major trouble, resources at Melksham station can be drafted in.

Inspector Wendy Grant said Swindon police will be taking a no-nonsense approach and will be leaving nothing to chance.

She said: "Our aim is for the public to be able to safely celebrate Christmas in Swindon and enjoy the season.

"To this end we have increased our patrols on the town centre with the emphasis on uniform officers carrying out high-visibility foot patrols."

Bernie Maguire, Swindon's town centre manager, is also working to counter thieves.

He issued the following stark warning: "We know who you are and we are watching you."

Mr Maguire said the Town Centre Management group has a list of repeat offenders.

Store detectives - aided by video surveillance equipment - will be keeping their eyes peeled for them.

He said: "We will certainly not be going easy. On the contrary, we are holding weekly intelligence meetings to see who is active in Swindon.

"I am sure that as Christmas gets nearer the list will get longer."

Meanwhile, Mr Maguire urged shoppers - particularly the elderly - to be on their guard against bagsnatchers and pickpockets.

"Often it is the vulnerable people such as the elderly, who fall victim to these people we are not going to tolerate that.

"Once we catch them we will seek exclusion orders, preventing them from entering the area.

And he has some advice for car-owners.

"I would urge people to be careful and not to leave their gifts in their cars - people are out there ready to steal them."

Kevin Shoesmith