No room for criminals this Christmas

6.02.36pm GMT Wed 9th Dec 2009

• POLICE will be carrying out high visibility patrols in both Richmond and Twickenham town centres in the run up to Christmas, to make sure criminals steer clear of the borough.

The five week long operation has been supported by Richmond Council and sends a strong message that both senior police and councillors want residents and workers in the borough to have a happy and crime free Christmas. Officers will be using automatic number plate recognition equipment to trace stolen cars or those which have had their plates changed. Visits will be made to off licences, pubs and clubs to make sure landlords and licensees are fully aware of their responsibilities especially relating to selling alcohol to underage drinkers. Uniformed and plain clothes officers will be on patrol during the day as people do their Christmas shopping to look out for thieves and any pickpockets who might be operating in town centres.

There will also be evening and night-time patrols to ensure party-goers can enjoy themselves safely and that those who drink too much or become rowdy can be warned, cautioned or arrested if required. Regular visits to all parts of the borough will still be made by Safer Neighbourhoods Team officers to ensure a police presence throughout the season. Borough Commander Det Chief Supt Rick Turner said: "People want to enjoy the Christmas season, and I'm expecting to see hundreds of office parties in the next few weeks. For many of them, seeing a police officer on patrol at the end of the night will be a reassuring sight, for the few who avoid the police, it should be a warning that crime of will not be tolerated."

Cllr David Williams, Richmond Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "There will be no easy ride for thieves or burglars this year. Our aim is to support the police and keep the crime rate falling. Residents can do their bit by hiding Christmas presents out of sight and my warning to thieves is to stay at home or risk Christmas Day in a cell."