BOBBIES in south Trafford are warning criminals looking to strike over Christmas that they are being watched.

They say crooks should be wary, with an increased police presence out and about to ensure the majority have a safe and peaceful festive period.

And they want shoppers and revellers to play their part and be extra vigilant to reduce the risk over the holiday season.

The warning comes in a week that has seen the launch of a dedicated police approach to combating the usual rise in incidents at this time of year.

This approach will see more bobbies on the beat as well as mounted, traffic and plain clothes police in and around the busy commercial areas such as Sale and Altrincham.

DS Mark Proudlove from Altrincham says: "In the weeks running up to Christmas, there are more visitors to the town centres for shopping and partying but there are also more thieves on the lookout for opportunities to strike.

"People naturally have more cash on them and are often laden with Christmas presents and criminals know this - especially pickpockets who mingle amongst the crowds.

"But everyone can reduce their chances of becoming a victim by hiding any valuables or presents from show in their cars, keeping purses and wallets out of sight and by reporting anything they see that looks suspicious."

DS Proudlove says that shops will also be something the police will be keeping an eye on and they will be able to access Trafford's CCTV cameras as well as use neighbourhood and town wardens to gather intelligence on shoplifters.

He goes on: "Our intention is to provide a safe environment for all over Christmas and the highly visible police presence will hopefully help to achieve as crime-free a Christmas as possible.

"Our message is simple - law abiding members of the public are made welcome and encouraged to visit our town centres.

"Those intent on committing crime and disorder should beware!"

To report any crime or anything suspicious over the festive period, call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.