A NEW police campaign is being launched today to trace some of the most prolific offenders.

A series of videos featuring Father Christmas appealing for suspects will be screened as part of their All We Want For Christmas initiative.

In the coming weeks, the videos will appear on Cheshire Police social media channels featuring the faces of the wanted on his ‘naughty list’.

Superintendent Julie Westgate, who is overseeing Christmas operations, said: “We regularly appeal to the public for information that can help us as we try to track down our most prolific offenders who seem determined to evade us. At this time of year, thieves are doing their own brand of shopping too.

“Although there is a cartoon element running through the initiative, there is a serious message behind the naughty list campaign.

“Individuals who try to evade the courts are denying victims their chance to see justice done and this can often leave many of those affected by crime unable to move on with their lives.

“We remain committed in our pursuit of those who believe they are above the law - and ensuring they are held to account for the crimes they have committed.”

A joint road safety festive campaign is also being mounted by Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire.

In a comic tale, ‘Elf on the Shelf’, Father Christmas and his elf will take to the skies on Christmas Eve only to realise they’re missing a reindeer.

The videos will be posted on Cheshire Police’s Facebook and Twitter pages while the ‘naughty list’ will be featured on Cheshire Constabulary’s website.