POLICE chiefs are to use their "eye in the sky" in a bid to spot robbers on the streets of Bury.

The force helicopter will swoop on suspects in the run-up to Christmas when crime is on the increase as thieves target shoppers.

The move strengthens the hand of police officers involved in Operation Hawk, launched to hunt down street robbers.

The helicopter will hover over the county's supermarkets, car parks and retail centres to advertise its presence and deter criminals.

It will take video footage of possible incidents and high-tech cameras will zoom in on suspects, car registration plates, and follow them in darkness using heat-seeking equipment.

The number of robberies has shown a recent rise in Bury, despite a drop in overall crime, mirroring the trend in the county.

Greater Manchester Chief Constable David Wilmot said: "Over the Christmas and New Year period, criminals have greater opportunities to prey on innocent victims.

"Our officers on the ground are already involved in a range of crime prevention measures to cut street robberies, and the use of the helicopter will play a significant additional role in helping us combat crime."

He added: "The highly visible Hawk identity together with skilled police officers, and the latest technology delivers a robust warning to prospective thieves."

The Greater Manchester air support unit helped to secure 442 arrests across the county last year, and 80 were caught during Operation Santa over the Christmas period.

The force aims to reduce street robbery by 20 per cent over the next five years.