New crime 'blitz' across the country is aiming to 'take back town centres from thugs and thieves'

HOME SECRETARY LAUCHES SAFER STREETS INITIATIVE WITH PLEDGE NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING WILL RETURN

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HUNDREDS of towns will see an increased police presence as part of the Government's new crime 'blitz' to crack down on shoplifting and antisocial behaviour by 'thugs and thieves.

More than 500 towns across England and Wales have signed up to the Home Office's Safer Streets summer initiative, which will run to September 30, with more visible policing and stronger enforcement to 'restore confidence in policing'.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, inset, said residents and businesses have a 'right to feel safe in their towns' but the last government left a 'surge' in crime.