Advance warning for criminals: the Trowbridge Christmas clampdown starts on Saturday, December 8, and will run up until Christmas Eve.

Operation Clampdown, which has become an annual initiative, hopes to prevent crime and public disorder and to increase the number of crimes detected.

The joint effort, which involves the police, Trowbridge Town Council, shop security organisations and Neighbourhood Watch hopes to make Trowbridge a safe and pleasant place to shop or work in during the day, and to go out in during the evening.

Extra foot patrols in the town centre and around the park are a key aspect of the operation.

Crime prevention advice will also be posted in car parks to make people aware of the dangers of leaving valuables in full view.

Police will also be on the look out for drunk and disorderly behaviour and underage drinking.