North Flintshire police have announced they will increase police presence on high streets to prevent shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

A spokesperson at North Flintshire police said via social media: "On the build up to Christmas you’ll see an increased police presence on our high streets & around the shops to prevent shoplifting & ASB.

"Sgt Dave Smith “Op Blue Santa is a innovative, multi agency approach targeting those that seek to cause our community harm”

Operation Blue Santa comes following the implementation of Operation Blue Instinct across Flintshire North, following it's success in Wrexham Town, which was announced on Monday, December 5.

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The multi-agency operation focusses on education and aims to reduce victims and target those that cause communities most harm.

Engagement events will be held across the area the coming weeks and months to provide advice and support, while officers will also be leaving leaflets at properties that appear unoccupied.

READ MORE: Flintshire police launch new operation to prevent burglaries after Wrexham success

Flintshire North Patrol Sergeant, David Smith said: “The aim of Op Blue Instinct is to prevent burglary offences and protect vulnerable residents by reducing victims and targeting those that cause our community most harm.

“Burglary offences are a real intrusion into privacy, and they can really affect people badly which is why we do all we can to prevent those types of crimes.

“We ask residents to take simple, but effective steps to protect their property.

“This operation is primarily about prevention - the more people that are aware and vigilant, the less opportunity there will be opportunist thieves.”

Officers will be patrolling residential areas at night and offering crime prevention advice to protect elderly and vulnerable residents against twilight burglaries.