YEOVIL police have started a special operation to target shoplifters and anti-social behaviour over the festive period.
The beat team has launched Operation Festive in the town centre in a bid to reduce an increase in shoplifting and anti social behaviour which is usually seen in a run up to Christmas.
Mounted police officers as well as special constables, uniformed and plainclothes officers will be in the centre as part of the operation.
Acting Sergeant Tony Foster said "Thieves tend to increase their activity over the festive period.
"With more shoppers in the town than any other time of year they use this as a cover to their crimes.
"Through Operation Festive we are sending them the message that they are not welcome in the town and there is now even more chance of them getting caught.
"Officers will be in the town in a bid to protect shoppers and businesses."
The operation, which started on November 18, is already getting results. Within 15 minutes of the operations starting a 27-year-old female was arrested and charged with breaching an anti-social behaviour order.
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