HUDDERSFIELD'S police commander and backroom staff have quit their desks to go out on patrol.

Chief Supt Barry South is so determined to ruin Christmas for criminals that he - along with senior managers and other officers who usually work in offices - are heading out on high- visibility patrols across the town centre in the run-up to Christmas.

The increased patrols will continue until Christmas Eve, to deter pickpockets, shoplifters and other people intent on causing anti-social behaviour and misery for others.

Chief Supt South said: "This is not a publicity stunt.

"We have emptied the police station of all available staff - including myself - to provide highly visible reassurance to people in the town centre.

"On the first morning there were an extra 22 officers on patrol."

Chief Supt South said plainclothes officers would also be trying to catch thieves red-handed.

All the officers will have examined photos of criminals - including shoplifters and pickpockets - known to be active in the town centre and will be on the lookout for them.

Officers will be walking through shops and stores as part of their patrol.

Once arrests are made there is a back-up team in the cell area to process the prisoners, allowing the patrolling officers to return to the streets quickly.

The extra officers will be doing eight-hour patrol shifts, including evenings.

They will also be going into pubs looking for under-age drinkers - and pubs will be shut down for several hours if landlords are caught out.

One was closed when police discovered a group of 15-year-old girls inside.

The move is part of the Government's crackdown on rowdy and unruly behaviour.

Chief Supt South said: "We have seen a reduction in crime already in December because we have extra patrols targeted at areas where we are told there are problems.

"We are putting people in the right places and doing the right things. "

He said shoppers also felt reassured by the extra patrols, with officers wearing high-visibility fluorescent jackets.

"We are chatting to them and telling them what we are doing," he said.

Chief Supt South added that people could easily stop themselves from becoming crime victims.

He said: "Keep an eye on your bags, keep them closed and don't leave them unattended.

"Report anyone you see acting suspiciously and be careful when you use your mobile phone in public.

"Thieves are opportunist and will quickly take advantage of any situation where you're off guard."