A shoplifting and crime prevention campaign for west Wiltshire over Christmas has now come to an end with positive results.

Between 1 December and New Year's Eve, police officers, PCSOs and Special Constables conducted high visibility patrols across the towns of Warminster, Westbury and Mere in a bid to keep communities safe.

The move was part of their Operation Elf campaign to prevent shoplifting and other crimes from taking place.

Police said Warminster had seen an 11 per cent reduction with only eight offences compared with nine the previous year.

Westbury saw a 71 per cent reduction from seven offences down to two offences, while Mere saw a 33 per cent reduction from three down to two offences committed.

Sgt Kevin Harmsworth said: "The Neighbourhood Teams' increased patrols have clearly had an effect on the positive outcome.

"Local businesses have been supportive of our police action and given us some really positive feedback around crime prevention moving forward as well as around local community concerns in relation to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Although Operation Elf is now over we still value our local communities help to combat crime; the more eyes and ears we have looking out for, and reporting crime, the better.

"We'd also urge the public to be vigilant and to report any concerns to us on 101 or 999 in an emergency."

Operation Elf took place in December to act as a deterrent to thieves. Similar Christmas operations have been run across other areas of Wiltshire and have seen a noticeable reduction in crime as a result.