"Operation Advent" will run throughout December and involve a wide range of oolice activity across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, targeting all levels of crime and disorder.

There will be increased patrols in town centres to combat theft, crime prevention events at shops and supermarkets and intense targeting of suspected burglary and vehicle crime offenders.

There will also be anti-social behaviour patrols, visits to licensed premises and drink-drive checkpoints.

Chief Insp. Ian Sewart said: "In this area we are fortunate to have some of the lowest levels of crime ever recorded with some crimes like burglary at their lowest levels for 35 years.

"Working with the people who live in, work in or visit Pennine Division, it is our intention to keep it that way and ensure everyone enjoys the festive period in safety.

"Operation Advent will target all aspects of criminality from purse theft and vehicle crime to drink driving and alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour.

"Our message is this: Crime will not be tolerated over the festive period. We will be working hard to target offenders and when crimes do occur, people can be reassured of a thorough investigation.

"We want everyone to enjoy the festive season in safety and we will be doing everything we can to ensure that as the temperature falls, so too, do local crime levels."