SHOPLIFTERS and other persistent offenders will be told to "get out of town" in a new police crackdown.

Prolific offenders will be banned from Burnley centre and traders issued with their mugshots so they can see who has been barred from their shops.

It is all part of the new Beat It -- Burnley's Exclusion Against Thieves in Town -- initiative which is being launched at Burnley police station next week.

Stores will display posters warning would-be shoplifters that they will be banned if they are caught.

The scheme is being run by a partnership of police and retailers and Sergeant Jon Bullas said it would work in close conjunction with the already well established and very successful CCTV and town centre community radio systems .

He said: "Its main objective is to reduce crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour."

Anyone arrested for offences in the town centre will be issued with a warning letter explaining that if they commit further offences they may be excluded from certain stores.

Juveniles will only be served with a notice in the presence of an appropriate adult.

Stores may decide to take civil action for trespass against an excluded person who continually breaches an order.

Police may also apply for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order in certain serious cases.

Said Sgt Bullas: "The scheme is another example of the increasing use of partnerships to reduce crime and create safer communities. We intend to send a clear message to those who would try to commit crime in the town centre that it will not be tolerated.

"By achieving these aims, we will encourage greater economic investment by creating and promoting a safer place to invest and work."

"It will also increase public confidence and help the people of Burnley to feel safe, involved and reassured," he added.