TROUBLESOME areas in Darwen will be filmed as part of a crime-fighting initiative after a rise in criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

From this weekend a CCTV van will be in the Lynwood and Sudell areas, to act as a deterrent and film crimes being committed. The van will be used mainly at weekends when levels of crime and youth nuisance are highest.

Inspector Andrea Bradbury of Darwen police said: "The van will act as a visible deterrent to those committing crime, showing them we are watching them and will not tolerate anti-social behaviour or crime.

"Initially, the van will be used in the Lynwood area and also in the Sudell area where a number of vehicles continue to be damaged at the weekends, particularly in the London Terrace, Sandon Street and Atlas Road areas.

"We want to further reduce vehicle crime, burglaries, violent crime and in particular criminal damage and anti social behaviour."

The van, funded by the Blackburn with Darwen Community Safety Partnership has already been used in Blackburn and will also be deployed to other crime and disorder hotspots when needed at various points at weekends.

Coun Andy Kay, chairman of the Community Safety Partnership added: "We are not using the van as a tool to spy on people as they go about their daily lives.

"We are introducing it, in the hope it will deter would-be criminals, making them think again about committing an offence."

Anyone who has information or concerns about crime or disorder in their area should contact the police.