CRIME hotspots in Colne, Nelson and Barnoldswick are being targeted by police in a leaflet campaign.

Sergeant June Prophet, Colne's Problem Orientated Policing co-ordinator, has enlisted the help of Crimestoppers in an effort to reduce the number of burglaries and vehicle crimes.

She said: "In 1999 there were more than 1,850 vehicle related crimes and more than 830 burglaries in the Colne, Barnoldswick and Nelson areas.

"We will be highlighting crime hot spot areas and leaflets will be distributed to residents in these locations to make them aware of the problem and hopefully more security conscious,.

"We will be working with other groups including neighbourhood watches, local councils and members of the community in our efforts to impact on these crimes.

"As the leaflets say, 'Crime is a problem that affects us all, the solution lies with us working together.

"This is what we are aiming to do and everyone has his or her part to play.

"This campaign is just one of a number that are being run in our area aimed at both detecting and preventing crime and so making out communities a safer place to live."

Emily Forshaw, from Lancashire's Crimestoppers, said: "If anyone has any information on people involved in crime that affects our community I would urge them to ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"The call is free, it's anonymous and if someone is arrested the caller may et a cash reward which is paid anonymously.

"Calls to Crimestoppers cannot be traced and callers are guaranteed anonymity which means they won't have to attend court."