Officers met with traders yesterday to launch Operation Norad, which will see more officers on the streets in the run-up to Christmas.

They also discussed updating the radio shop scheme in a bid to deter thieves.

The new team has been put in place following the retirement of PC Quentin Allen, the former community beat manager for Cleveleys.

Sgt Dave Britton, who moved into post this month, said: "It's the end of an era with Quentin going. Since I've come here we've had a move around of staff in the area which will hopefully be beneficial.

"In the lead up to Christmas there'll be more emphasis on high visibility policing. We understand more people will be shopping during the day and carrying more cash so we'll concentrate our resources on the daytime economy.

"The more yellow people see, the better."

Community beat managers PC Eddie Baldwin, PC Julie Moreau, PC Tony Pook and seven community support officers will be on hand to support the new sergeant.

Around 40 businesses in the town have joined the shop radio scheme, which is linked to the town's CCTV cameras.

It will allow shopkeepers and businessmen to communicate with each other and police to quickly spread information about suspicious activity.

The traders have been given new guidelines on using the community radios and a copy of the phonetic alphabet to help them relay registration plate numbers of vehicles involved in crime to the police.

John Prothero, vice-chairman of Cleveleys Association of Commerce and Trade, said: "The radio is a method of communication between shops and the police.

"Rather than having one set of eyes, we've got 40 sets of eyes.

"Cleveleys is using high technology but it isn't a substitute for 999."

Sgt Britton added: "The radio shop scheme is ideal. When the radios are used properly they are a valuable tool for both the police and shop users. We want to get back to intelligence sharing."