Police in Scarborough are promising a chilly reception for shoplifters and troublemakers with the launch today of Operation Igloo.

Visitors are pouring into the town's shops in the run-up to Christmas, but, sadly, the usual annual quota of shady characters are in their midst, intent on shoplifting and purse-snatching.

In response to the problem, North Yorkshire Police are putting extra officers on patrol in the town centre, including the Old Town and Falsgrave areas.

They will be on foot and in cars and will liaise closely with shopkeepers.

The Cop Shop, in Salisbury Arcade, between Huntriss Row and Bar Street, is at the centre of the operation, where people can go for advice and crime-fighting tips.