Police have launched Operation Frosty, a pre-Christmas crackdown on shoplifters, drunks, beggars and thieves.

Extra patrols will sweep troublemakers from St James's Street and London Road, Brighton.

Crimes in those areas have gone down but police say they are determined to ensure the streets are peaceful environments for festive shopping.

Inspector Beryl Bacon, in charge of the operation, said: "We will be making full use of the drinks bylaw which prohibits consumption in public and gives us power to confiscate alcohol.

"Drink in the open and you might find bottles and tins being emptied down drains."

Businesses and shops are also being urged to join the Retail Crime Initiative. For £50 a year, radio links are provided to alert outlets of criminals and troublemakers in the area.

Burglaries in the St James's Street area fell by 35 per cent in the first quarter of the year, compared to the same period last year, from 32 to 21.

Vehicle crime went down 11 per cent, from 65 to 58, but some other crimes, including vandalism, went up.

Sergeant Bill Whitehead said: "The area has improved dramatically but street and shop crime tends to rise at this time of the year and we are determined to nip it in the bud.

"There will also be covert operations which I can't give any details of, for obvious reasons.

"Rest assured, if you are intent on causing problems or committing crimes, you can expect a tap on your shoulder from us."

He said there would be extra two-officer patrols and other officers would be targeting known offenders.

Police urged the public to help with the initiative by reporting incidents or anyone acting suspiciously.

Anyone with information should call Brighton police on 0845 6070999.