FEWER people in Huddersfield town centre fell victim to criminals in the run-up to Christmas than in 2011.

Huddersfield South Neighbourhood Policing Team have released the results of a seasonal operation to clamp down on town centre crime between November 26 and Christmas Eve.

The figures recorded show a 39% drop in theft from people compared with the same period last year.

Vehicle theft was also down 57% and the overall detection of all crimes was 70% – up 7%.

But thefts from shops were up 24%.

Huddersfield team leader Sgt Mandy Mellor said: “The operation was a great success due to the close working relationship with staff and security staff in stores and shops.

“We also had partnership approach with the CCTV operators, the Street Rangers and plain clothes police officers.

“Crime prevention advice was given out to members of the public and police had contact points in the bus station, Kingsgate and Packhorse centres where crime prevention aides were given out free of charge.

“This was very welcome.”