EXTRA police officers -- led by Bolton police chief Alan Greene -- took to the streets today in a bid to turn Bolton town centre into a "no go" area for festive thieves.

More officers were patrolling the streets with the launch of Operation Santa -- the annual Christmas and New Year crackdown on crime.

Chief Insp Greene hopes the operation will help make streets across the town centre safer places to shop, work and visit over the festive season.

High visibility police patrols will be increased to monitor hotspot crime locations, including Bolton bus station and the shopping malls.

Extra officers will also be on duty in the evenings as late night shopping gets under way.

Operation Santa will predominately focus on street robbers, muggers and car criminals.

Insp Karan Lee said: "Unfortunately, at Christmas there is the increased risk of people becoming victims of street crime.

"We are determined Operation Santa will tackle this by increasing the police presence on the town centre streets and reassuring members of the public. In addition, we are asking people to think about their personal safety -- to ensure they have a happy and crime-free Christmas in Bolton."

Posters will be displayed warning shoppers not to leave Christmas shopping on display in vehicles. Leaflets offering crime prevention tips will also be distributed.

Cathy Savage, town centre company manager, welcomed the police initiative.

She said: "It is excellent news. We should all be working together to help make Bolton one of the safest places to shop across the region this Christmas."

Police say shoppers should be alert to their surroundings, never leave bags unattended and carry bags securely so they cannot be snatched. They are also advised to keep valuables such as mobile phones out of sight and to take care when using cash machines. Operation Santa will run until January 10.