A GROUP of community-spirited volunteers donned police style jackets and took to the streets of Preston this week as part of Operation Dazzler, co-ordinated by Preston police.

The millennium volunteers will work with beat officers throughout the festive season, handing out crime prevention leaflets and offering advice to shoppers.

The operation, in partnership with Preston City Centre Management Company and the Millennium Volunteers Project, aims to cut street thefts and shoplifting while giving the 'real' boys in blue more time to deal with other serious incidents.

Sgt Chadwick said: "Operation Dazzler is a perfect example of working in partnership. We have built extremely strong links with the volunteer project and retailers which will be beneficial in the long term."