A NEW "takeaway watch" has been launched in Rossendale in a bid to protect vulnerable food shops from vandalism.
The scheme has been launched in Bacup and Stacksteads.
Shop owners will be working together by being more security conscious.
The initiative is being backed by the town's CCTV system, which monitors the shops 24 hours a day.
Inspector Dave Shepherd, of Bacup Police, said: "The problem was identified and we consulted with local food retailers to find the best way of tackling it.
"We found shops were being targeted mainly at night, when people were on their way home from the pubs.
"Windows were being smashed which was causing shop owners a considerable amount of distress. The scheme will involve regular meetings between the police and takeaway owners to address the problem."
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