Police will be keeping an eye on shoppers

In Glasgow, extra police and special constables will patrol the streets as the number of shoppers increases.

Christmas shopping attracts thieves stealing from retailers, cars and from people in the street.

Strathclyde Police's retail crime task force has resulted in a 31% drop in shoplifting in the last four years.

More than half a million Christmas shoppers descend on Glasgow each week.

Increased patrols

The force's strategy includes high profile policing and a focus on organised crime.

Increased patrols will aim to reassure the public and deter offenders.

And officers are warning shoppers to keep an extra eye on their bank cards and credit card receipts.

Chief Inspector Donnie McLeod said: "Millions of pounds are lost every year through plastic card fraud, the most being through lost or stolen cards and counterfeit cards.