POLICE have launched their annual campaign aimed at keeping crime and disorder down at Lakeside as Christmas shoppers begin flocking to the centre.

Senior police officers in Thurrock joined colleagues from their dedicated Lakeside team to launch Operation Christmas Presence.

Extra officers will work closely with the centre's security teams to deter any criminals targetting the centre in the run up to Christmas.

Thurrock Chief Insp Ben Hodder said: "With an increase in the number of people visiting Lakeside over the Christmas period, we've got to work together to keep down crime and disorder."

This is the eleventh year police have run the special operation at Lakeside, where crime is said to be very low anyway.

Ch Insp Hodder added: "It's more precautionary than reactionary, it's just about keeping people safe. It will look at preventing everything from stealing from vehicles to stealing from people."

Kate Miller, general manager at Lakeside, said: "The centre is, and always has been, a very safe place for people to visit so we are once again working with Essex Police to ensure criminals stay away.

"With an increased police presence and our own team of security staff who patrol the centre and our 13,000 free parking spaces 24/7, this should be another happy and safe Christmas at intu Lakeside."