Police have retail and business crime in their sights

Police vowed they would be out in force in the city centre in the fifth annual campaign against "career criminals" who commit theft and fraud.

The Hard Target Campaign, aimed at shop and business crime, was first launched in 2000.

The authorities claimed that since then retail offences had fallen by as much as about 38%.

A police spokesman said: "There's no easy target for thieves."

It was expected that more than two million shoppers would be spending their money in the city centre during the countdown to the festive period.

Police advice includes:

• do not leave bags, mobile phones or money where they can be seen

• lock shopping in the car boot

• try not to carry a lot of cash

• keep wallets in inside pockets

• keep hold of handbags and make sure they are fastened.

The manager of Glasgow's Buchanan Galleries Hamish Millar said: "The campaign, particularly as we gear up for the busiest time of the year, gives us confidence that we are safeguarding all of our staff and valuable customers."

The man in charge of the campaign, which is supported by the Scottish Business Crime Centre, is Ch Supt David Christie of Strathclyde Police.

"We want to encourage shoppers to come to Glasgow city centre and enjoy their visit. My officers will be out in force," he said.