DARWEN'S most active criminals are being targeted in a police operation to make the town safer.

Around 20 suspects will be watched over the next month after a similar scheme last Wednesday resulted in three arrests.

Officers have identified the three main types of crime in the town as burglaries, car crime and drug dealing.

If Operation Eradicate brings a reduction in these offences, the initiative will be repeated regularly to keep on top of the known offenders.

Police also believe the public have a part to play by not leaving items on view in cars and remembering to lock or shut house windows and doors.

Sergeant Alice Knowles, of Darwen police, said there were three main aims of the operation -- prevention, reinforcement and detection.

She added: "For prevention we will be looking for cars where property is on view. The owners will receive a letter through the post reminding them about security.

"For reinforcement we are going to have high visibility patrols in target areas where we know crimes are taking place.

"We will also be targeting known offenders and executing warrants on suspected drug dealers.

"For detection, we are drafting in divisional resources in order to help us. We will also work with the courts to promote the remanding of know offenders in custody, rather than being given bail.

"These are the three most common crimes in the area. This operation will make people feel safer and hopefully it will be the first of many such initiatives."