POLICE officers will be taking a more "robust approach" to anti-social behaviour over the festive period.

As the Salisbury Christmas lights will be switched on tonight and the market arrives in one week, Wiltshire Police is launching Operation Hamper - a mixture of overt and covert tactics in a bid to keep the city safe from crime.

As part of the operation there will be regular patrols, officers will be engaging with staff in shops and pubs, and outlets will be encouraged to sign up to ShopWatch.

Inspector Pete Sparrow said: “As we approach the festive period, we expect to see a rise in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in and around the city centre.

“Salisbury is a beautiful city and people come from far and wide to visit, especially at Christmas time - we are calling on the public and local businesses to support us in keeping our city safe.”

As well as liaising with businesses, officers will be engaging with off-licenses to make sure alcohol sales are not made to drunk customers or children.

Insp Sparrow added: “Off-licences have a responsibility to work with us under the Licensing Act to prevent crime and disorder, maintain public safety, prevent public nuisance and protect children from harm.

“In previous years we have had issues with anti-social behaviour in the city - we will be taking a robust approach towards any individuals committing this type of crime and preventing others from enjoying the festivities safely.”

Robin McGowan, chief executive of Salisbury BID said it is a "key objective" to assist in reducing retail crime.

He added: “The city’s radio scheme links shops, security guards, the BID’s city ranger, the CCTV control room and police, which allows all partners to communicate and work closely together to help prevent and tackle crime.

“We would also like to remind people that the city’s CCTV system is fully operational, thanks to the funding from Salisbury BID and Salisbury City Council, and that this is regularly used as evidence to prosecute criminals.”