SECURITY cameras are failing to reduce crime in Colne town centre, angry traders claim.

Shopkeepers say they have lost faith in CCTV cameras following five break-ins recently.

Colne and District Committee heard that the targets included the newly-established Money Generator, in Market Street, and Main’s.

Graham Wharton, chairman of the Colne Town Centre Forum and owner of Graham's Poultry, Market Street, questioned whether any convictions had been secured because of CCTV.

Hesaid: “We just feel that the cameras are not working because we are not seeing any arrests or convictions as a result of them.”

Neighbourhood police inspector John Fryer confirmed that nothing had been picked up from the cameras in relation to the Money Generator and Main’s raids.

The problem with the cameras is that they do pan around and are not fixed on one point,” he told councillors.

“The operators are in Burnley so it really is a matter of one operator zooming in on a situation if there is any suspicious activity.”

Mr Wharton replied: “It just seems to us that Burnley counts and Colne doesn’t.”

The CCTV system for Burnley and Pendle was launched around 1998, with an initial 25 cameras covering Burnley alone.

But with the growth in systems across the neighbouring boroughs, the number of cameras mushroomed.

Insp Fryer said Pendle Council contributed towards the cost of running the control room at Burnley.

He said he would support any moves to establish an independent control room in Pendle, if councillors felt that was necessary.

Colne town centre premises also suffered burglaries or attempted break-ins during the annual rhythm and blues festival.