A CHRISTMAS crime crackdown in Colchester town centre has been hailed a success.

Operation Christmas Cracker led to an average of one arrest a day during December.

Extra officers patrolled town centre shops in a bid to combat shoplifting and those who come into Colchester to cause trouble.

Officers, PCSOs and special constables worked with Colchester Business Against Crime  and Colchester Council's zone wardens.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "A total of 31 people were arrested on suspicion of offences including shoplifting, handling stolen goods, outraging public decency, possession of a controlled drug and possession of a bladed article."

Sgt Sue Richardson said: "Operation Christmas Cracker was a real success and an excellent example of joint working with Colchester Council, dozens of shops and licensed premises within the town centre.

"It sent out a clear message to those coming to Colchester to commit crime, their behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Following information received police found a £5,000 haul of suspected stolen goods following a raid at a home in the town on December 16.

The items recovered included clothes, Christmas hampers, perfume, a remote controlled helicopter and a trombone. A quantity of prescription drugs were also seized.

A 20-year-old woman from Great Bentley was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and released on bail until March 6.

A 42-year-old man from Ipswich was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and possession of drugs and released on bail until March 7.

A 29-year-old man from Manningtree was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and possession of drugs and released on bail until March 6.

Officers also used powers to stop and search people where deemed appropriate.

And nine shoplifters were dealt with by way of community resolutions.