ANGRY householders are to hold talks with police and local councillors in a bid to end the crime nightmare which is plaguing their area.

The residents say they are living in fear after a spate of burglaries, car break-ins and washing line thefts.

They claim theft and damage is a nightly occurrence at their block in Colne Road, Burnley, prompting them to call for a meeting.

Shopkeeper Talib Hussein, 47, said he disturbed a thief breaking into his car in the early hours and later learned that seven vehicles in the row had been forcibly entered on the same night.

"The following night, the temporary polythene covers over the broken car windows had also been ripped open," he said.

Father-of-six Mr Hussein said: "Nobody dares leave anything on washing lines any more because it disappears straight away." "Petrol is being syphoned from cars all the time and milk is being stolen from the doorsteps as soon as it arrives," he said.

"People are also urinating in the streets quite openly," he added.

Now local councillor Mozaquir Ali has arranged a meeting next week between residents, police inspector Geoff Lee, the community police and ward councillors to try to solve the problems. "People in the area, many elderly and some disabled are simply living in fear over the goings on.

"There needs to be greater protection and cover from the police and council and that is what I am pressing for," he added.

Bernard Penine, of Blackburn, who owns a bed and breakfast in the area, said there had been trouble with one of his residents in the past.

He added: "There was only trouble with one, who was being wound up by the neighbours, but that is over now.

"The others are good neighbours," he added.

One man has been charged with theft offences in the area by police and is due to appear before magistrates.

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