OFFENCES in Blackburn's major crime blackspots have plummeted in the face of a police crackdown on crooks.

And local criminals are being warned that things are going to get even tougher after Blackburn with Darwen Council announced its own plans to tackle law-breakers.

Figures released by the police show crime rates in Mill Hill, where the soaring number of offences recently prompted police to launch Operation Sutton in a bid to tackle burglary, have dropped by 34 per cent in the last 12 months.

In Infirmary, where one person in five was a victim of crime in the 12 months to June 1996, offences have fallen by 25 per cent in the last year..

And in Intack and Whitebirk, crime dropped by 20 per cent and 15 per cent respectively, as officers targeted known burglars as part of a new-divisional strategy.

Overall crime in the division is down 21 per cent in the last three months and burglaries have dropped by 40 per cent after figures to June last year showed widespread increases.

Now Blackburn with Darwen Council has followed up the dramatic falls by detailing its own plans to play a leading role in fighting crime when it becomes a unitary authority next year.

The authority wants to join forces with local organisations, including the police, to spearhead its campaign.

The council recently published a "white paper" on public protection which covers the police, fire, probation and courts service along with the coroner and emergency planning.

The document includes a statement of intent which reads: "The primary aim is to improve quality of life for people and communities, to work closely with the agencies involved and to target safety, crime prevention and public involvement in public life.

"To help achieve this aim, the council is proposing to develop a community safety strategy for the borough which would develop the notions of close working with other agencies, crime agencies and safety for local people."

The strategy's aims include:

Reducing the number of crimes, especially burglary.

More protection for vulnerable people and more work on preventing victims being hit a second time by criminals.

The inclusion of crime prevention in council planning and policies.

Tackling the causes of crime in communities.

Reintegrating offenders back into communities.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Neil Smith, head of CID of the new eastern divison, said: "We are in full support of any partnership that aims to have an impact on crime.

"We have already made a significant impact on crime in the area but we are willing to join forces with anyone who wants to help us achieve our aims."

The report and strategy will be discussed at the public protection sub-committee on Wednesday.

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