POLICE in Rossendale are putting a "significant" drop in crime in Haslingden and Rawtenstall down to a series of arrests made in recent weeks.

A total of 16 people, mostly juveniles, have been arrested for offences relating to burglary in the past week alone.

The result is that crime in some parts of Rossendale has been reduced by 50 per cent compared with other months.

Det Insp Mark Gray said officers had been "actively targeting" criminals at every level during a week-long crackdown.

He said: "Now that these people are being dealt with by being put on remand or bailed on strict bail conditions, we are seeing a positive reduction in offences.

"The crime in Rawtenstall and Haslingden was a particular problem in town centres -- particularly to shop owners who were suffering the consequences of being targeted by thieves."

The crackdown comes hot on the heels of a similar operation targeting auto crime, carried out by police in Rossendale which has also helped make some dramatic reduction in offences.

This month in Rossendale West there has only been three burglaries and in Rossendale East four, which would normally have been double.

DI Gray added: "After we carried out the auto crime initiative, burglary was a particular focus for us.

"We want to assure residents that we will maintain a high profile in the area and devote our attention in relation to auto crime and burglary.

"I once again make no apologies for being tough with lawbreakers who actively make lives a misery for those targeted by car and burglary crime.

"I want criminals to be aware that if they are caught, they will receive a tough punishment."