POLICE have urged retailers to be extra vigilant and security smart ahead of Black Friday.

The start of the Christmas gift-buying season will officially kick off on November 23 as consumers hunt for bargain Black Friday deals.

The deals will continue with Cyber Monday on November 26.

And police have urged businesses in East Lancashire to be prepared for larger crowds make sure their business has the correct security arrangements in place to deal with increased demand and potential conflict.

Among those making the calls are Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, who said: "Busy shopping days in the run up to Christmas are often targeted by thieves and scammers, with businesses at increased risk, both in store and online.

"I recently launched my Be Cyber Wise campaign which highlights the techniques that cyber criminals use to target businesses and helps businesses protect themselves against them."

Businesses can review their emergency communication plan and optimise the use of their security radio system, while CCTV should be fully operational and a member of staff should be able to operate it.

Staff must also remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security or police.

For more information, visit https://www.lancashire.police.uk/help-advice/keeping-your-business-safe/