That was the stark warning Central Scotland Police gave to shopkeepers at the launch of Operation Christmas – the annual crackdown on crime over the festive season.

Speaking in the Mall Howgate yesterday (Wednesday) morning, Inspector Donald Cowan and Sergeant Ewan Graham, the officer in charge of this year's operation, gave shopkeepers a heads up on what police would be doing to cut crime over the festive season and advice on what staff could do themselves to prevent, or deal with, thefts and fraud.

Insp. Cowan said: "It is difficult to say whether crime will go up because of the credit crunch, but you may get someone who would not normally steal things driven to crime because the purse strings are a bit tighter than normal."

During the briefing, attended by assistant town centre manager Sarah McKenzie, Mall Howgate security staff and shop representatives, officers also warned about semi-professional teams of criminals coming in from Glasgow and a gang of Eastern European women who have been distracting elderly people and then "dipping" into their handbags.

"Our aim is to prevent crime as well as detect it," said Insp. Cowan. "We want to make the public feel safe over the festive period and will be dealing with anti-social behaviour as well.

"What we ask of shopkeepers and staff to help make this operation a success is that they remain vigilant at all times. The last thing we want is for Falkirk to be seen as a soft spot for thieves."

Sgt Graham added: "It will get busier and staff may lose their focus in terms of crime, but if there is anyone you have doubts about, simply give us a call and we will be right there."

A team of 10 officers, plain clothes and uniformed, have been assigned to the operation and will be patrolling the town centre and Central Retail Park from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and assisting fellow officers through the night until 4 a.m. at weekends.

Insp. Cowan said: "We have a good team, with a mix of experience, and I'm quite sure, with your help, we will be able to combat crime over Christmas."