A POLICE operation to prevent children becoming targets for thugs because they carried trendy presents received at Christmas has been hailed a big success.

There were no reported muggings of children who may have been carrying items such as the latest style of mobile phone, following a 10-day crackdown by police in Bury last month.

The operation involved uniformed officers showing up at schools, in buses and trams and in the town centre.

Officers provided reassurance for children and acted as a deterrent to potential offenders.

Police stopped and questioned around 60 people during the operation.

PC Jane Nolan, who is based at Broad Oak School, said: “After Christmas, youngsters are keen to show off presents to their school friends.

“But it leaves them vulnerable to thieves who think nothing of stealing their prized possessions — sometimes by force.

“This initiative has shown that by deploying uniformed officers at key locations throughout the division at key times, we can make a dramatic impact on reducing crime and raising public reassurance.”

The operation also involved other agencies involved in the Safer Schools Partnership, including representatives from the borough’s schools.

Adam Loster, deputy headteacher at St Gabriel’s RC High School, said: “It was a great success. The police provided a very helpful and reassuring presence for children, parents and school staff.”