POLICE in Blackburn have arrested another 14 people as part of a Divisional crime-reduction drive, codenamed Operation Enforce, which aims to clamp down on criminality in 'hotspot' areas.

Operation Enforce was launched at the end of October in a bid to tackle persistent car criminals and burglars in the 'hotspot' areas of Mill Hill, Fishmoor and the town centre.

In the first week, twenty people were arrested and charged for a variety of offences including theft, vehicle interference and bail offences. The total number of arrests is now 42.

Police have deployed a number of tactics to disrupt offenders, including leaflet drops and working with other agencies, such as Action for Jobs.

Those arrested and charged in the last week are as follows:

Peter McDonagh, 22 years, of Brother Street, Blackburn, burglary; William Margerison,17 years, of Rossall Terrace, Blackburn, drunk and disorderly; Alan West, 35, of Heatley Close, Blackburn, theft; Andrea Poynton, 31, of Heatley Close, Blackburn, theft; Lee Suddick, 19, of Fawcett Close, Blackburn, assault; Jolene Wesley, 17 years, of Fawcett Close, Blackburn, wanted on warrant; David Draper, 28, of Shakespeare way, Blackburn, robbery; and Ian Leatherd ,17 years, of Bolton Road, Blackburn, driving whilst disqualified, driving without Insurance.

In addition, one juvenile was arrested for breach of bail and another for theft of a conveyance.

Two other juveniles were arrested for breach of bail, while two men were arrested for theft but later released no charge.

Chief Inspector Neil Smith, who is leading the operation, said: "The Operation is really gaining momentum and what started out as a two week 'blitz' will now be extended for the foreseeable future.

"We have made a real difference to crime in these 'hotspots' and our direct action is having an impact on crime in other areas. The important thing is to be able to sustain these reductions."

All those charged will appear before Blackburn magistrates next week.