THE police initiative that put bobbies back on the beat in the run up to Christmas is being hailed as a major success.

Operation Nativity ran from Wednesday, December 20 to Christmas Eve and saw 14 officers patrolling the town centres of Northwich and Winsford.

Although it was only a brief return to what many people see as the best form of policing, it was also an extremely successful one.

Inspector Terry Oates, in charge of the operation, said: "The report shows that the comparative period last year in Northwich saw 31 reported incidents.

"This year there were just eight.

"And in the two reported shoplifting offences the culprits were both identified and caught. That's a 100 per cent detection rate and we are very pleased."

Other successes included a number of known shoplifters being observed, but leaving the town centre very quickly after seeing the police presence.

There were also three children reported missing to officers on the streets who were able to help find them almost immediately.

"This saved the parents lots of time worrying, or having to go to the police station to report the missing child," said Inspector Oates.

Full statistics about Winsford town centre are not yet available, but early signs indicate similar figures in terms of reductions.

Inspector Oates added: "The operation garnered a favourable response from commerce and the public and I am delighted.

"There were only one or two adverse comments asking why we are not around all the time.

"The simple answer is that we have not got the resources.

"But I feel that especially at Christmas everyone has the right to shop in peace and without fear and I will make every effort to ensure the operation runs again next year."