MORE than 60 people have been arrested in Bolton town centre -- within two weeks of the launch of a Christmas security operation.

Police chiefs believe several gangs of shop thieves, from throughout the North-west, and even as far as Scotland, have been smashed in the annual crackdown.

The operation -- involving police officers, store detectives, traffic wardens and special constables -- has been mounted to ensure shoppers are safe in the town centre in the busy build-up to Christmas.

The initiative, codenamed Operation Vespa, was launched earlier this month and will continue throughout the festive season into the New Year. Young mums have been a target for the opportunist thieves during the last few days.

Pram

In one incident a thief snatched a a woman's bag -- containing £130 in cash -- as she pushed her baby in a pram along Manchester Road. Three mothers have been robbed over the last two days.

Police have warned women, and all shoppers, to be on their guard.

Det Con Stuart Ashall, Bolton Police Community Safety Officer, urged people not to carry large amounts of money, if at all possible. He said shoppers must ensure their purses or wallets are safe, keep an eye on their bags and be especially careful in crowded areas. People should be extra careful at bank or building society cash dispensers.

Police have also warned residents that teams of bogus charity collectors have been visiting homes door-to-door in the Great Lever, Morris Green, Deane and Over Hulton areas. The thieves include a teenage couple of "gipsy appearance" selling lucky charms. Police are warning residents to ensure the collectors are genuine before parting with their cash.

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