PLANS for tackling crime and disorder in Burnley over the next three years have been unveiled.

The Crime and Disorder Strategy 2002-2005 sets out the priorities for the police, council and partner agencies.

They include tackling drug misuse, reducing violent and hate crime, reducing anti-social behaviour, tackling alcohol misuse and reducing property crime.

The priorities are based on a public consultation exercise by the borough council over the summer.

The strategy has been developed by the borough council with the police, health service, fire and rescue service, probation service and youth offending team.

The scheme is based heavily on the Task Force report which followed last year's riots, in particular its recommendations to raise the aspirations of young people in the town and in tackling drugs and drug related crime.

Since the first crime and disorder reduction strategy in 1999 crime has fallen overall in the borough by 2.2 per cent and domestic burglary by more than 21 per cent.

Leader of the council and chairman of the community safety steering group Stuart Caddy said: "Improving community safety and reducing crime and disorder are important factors in making strong cohesive communities a reality.

"This strategy is for all of Burnley and for all communities in Burnley." A series of action groups made up of representatives from the agencies involved in the strategy such as the police and probation service have been set up to decide how to deal with the priorities.

Targets have also been set, such as reducing waiting times for drug treatment and reducing town centre crime, which will be regularly monitored.

Other targets include reducing youth crime by nine per cent by 2005, reducing town centre theft by 10 per cent by 2005 and improving support for victims of racist crime.