TROWBRIDGE police are starting their annual crime prevention scheme, Operation Clampdown, over the Christmas period.

The main objectives of the operation are to prevent and detect crime, to prevent outbreaks of disorder and to reduce the fear of crime in the town centre by having a visible police presence.

As well as a police presence, neighbourhood watch and other agencies will be involved in patrolling the town centre.

The police hope that those working with them may well detect offences such as shoplifting, because they will be in plain clothes.

The partnership approach will involve personnel from Wiltshire Constabulary, The Shires precinct, Castle Place precinct, Neighbourhood Watch, Storenet, Shopwatch, Trowbridge Town Council and Europarks.

The operation begins on Monday December 4 and runs until Saturday December 23.

Town centre development manager, Daryl Savile-Brown said: "Concerted efforts are being made to make sure that Trowbridge is as free as possible from crime over the Christmas period. Our main priority is to make the town as safe as possible for shoppers."

The times of the operation will be between 9am and 1am during weekdays, and until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.