MORE bobbies will be on the beat in Harwich this Christmas after a rise in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting around Harwich.

Essex Police has revealed that over the Christmas period officers will be utilising their stop and search powers and making arrests where necessary to tackle the rise in crime.

Foot patrols across Harwich and Dovercourt will target known offenders, trouble spots and other local issues.

These patrols will also give residents and officers the opportunity to meet and talk.

Labelled as Operation Firecracker, extra officers will be on duty so there will be no reduction in police numbers while the operation is running.

Since the launch of the operation, a persistent shoplifter with more than 20 reported thefts over two months has been arrested and charged.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "This operation is in recognition of the issues facing the local community - please keep an eye out on our county wide social media posts and main website for events such as coffee with cops where you can easily meet with officers to discuss your local area."

Ivan Henderson welcomed the extra resources but said "a police officer is not just for Christmas".

He added: "It should be all year round.

"But there will be a lot more people going out and pubs will be busier and restaurants will be busier.

"And there is the issue that criminals take advantage of the situation, knowing people are out visiting family or out for the evening.

"It's good there are police going to be patrolling to make sure those who are out are safe and while they are out that their homes are safe."

Residents in the town took to social media to question the initiative.

Martin Mant said: "Why just over Christmas we need this all year round."