Extra police will be on the streets of Maidstone in the run-up to Christmas targeting shoplifters - but you won't know they're all there.

Officers will be out and about, some in plain clothes and some in uniform, in response to an increase in shoppers this time of year, on patrol throughout the day.

There will also be a crime prevention stand most days in the town centre so shoppers can talk about protecting their home and property.

A similar operation was recently held for one day and seven arrests were made as a result.

As well as targeting shoplifting, to try and keep crime to a minimum officers are asking shoppers to be conscious of their surroundings and to not leave their purses or shopping bags unattended, as it only takes seconds for a thief to take advantage.

Town centre inspector Justin Watts, who leads the town centre policing team, said as well as cracking down on shoplifting, police will be aiming to keep crime down, encouraging people not to leave bags unattended.

He said: "To account for all the extra visitors we will have more police officers on hand to target those who come to Maidstone for less honest reasons and to keep the law abiding majority safe. We work very closely with local CCTV operators and in-store security teams and will be on the lookout for those involved in shoplifting or similar crimes such as people who target purses and shopping bags."

He added: "Even if you can’t see our officers, it doesn’t mean they are not there, as we will frequently be deploying in plain clothes. This is a really successful tactic in identifying suspects and catching them on the back foot."