CHRISTMAS shoppers are being warned to watch out for criminals.

As part of their Blue Christmas campaign, Cheshire Police is carrying out high visibility patrols across Widnes and Runcorn.

Supt Martin Cleworth said: "This is really all about taking care and using common sense when you are out shopping.

“ Whilst the chances of you becoming a victim of theft whilst you are out Christmas shopping in Cheshire are small, why take the chance of being one of the unlucky ones?

"Just think ahead before you go out shopping, we want to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable Christmas and not find it spoilt by opportunist criminals."

There are a few things that shoppers need to think about during the holiday period:

• Criminals know that at this time of year in particular cars may have a lot of valuable goods in them. Avoid taking a large pile of bags and putting them into your boot where anyone can see you and then leaving the car unattended. Never leave bags on view in your car, this is an invitation to an opportunist criminal.

• Avoid putting shopping into the car, until you are ready to leave. If it is possible, try to plan your shopping so that you are buying any large or heavier items until last and are less likely to be tempted to take them and leave them in your car. If someone can go with you to help you carry things even better.

Some stores will also allow you to purchase and collect later with larger items.

• Always be careful when withdrawing large amounts of money from cash machines, especially ones located in busy shopping centres where someone might be watching.

• It is also important to be aware of pickpockets at this time of year. Many of us will be carrying bags of shopping around, make sure that you are aware of your surroundings as well as not having any expensive items where they are easy to see. Try to avoid tucking anything which may appear to be of value under your arm whilst carrying other bags, this is an easy target for someone to grab it and run.

For more advice on keeping yourself safe this winter visit cheshire.police.uk/news--appeals/latest-news/2014/11/cheshire-police-launch-operati.aspx.

If you have any concerns about someone acting suspiciously or have any information regarding criminal behaviour, call the police on 101.

In an emergency always call 999. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.