BOSSES at a soft drinks firm are so impressed with the success of police Operation Tango that they've given bottles of pop to the officers involved.

Police in Blackburn are carrying out a clampdown on known criminals and have arrested more than 70 people in the last two weeks.

Inspector Bob Eastwood of Blackburn police said: "Britvic, the people who make the drink Tango, have heard about the success of our operation and are delighted to back us.

"They were so pleased to be associated with something like this they are sending bottles of their soft drink to the police station for our officers."

He added: "It seems the message is getting across to the criminals because they are asking about Operation Tango when we arrest them. "We want to make it clear to all hardened criminals in this town that their activities will not be tolerated.

"We will continue to target the criminals for as long as necessary. Our aim is to make Blackburn a safe place for everyone to live.'

Police say Operation Tango will continue well into the foreseeable future.

A large amount of stolen property has been recovered along with quantities of drugs including cannabis, heroin and ecstacy.

The operation follows months of intelligence work and police chiefs are delighted with the results.

The latest statistics have revealed law breaking has slowed to a standstill in the town and the message is getting across to the criminal fraternity.

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