A CRACKDOWN on a gang of youths who have been terrorising Accrington residents has been hailed a success by police.

A team of mounted officers and a specially-formed juvenile nuisance squad has been targeting the Barnfield Street area after reports of 40 teenagers been preying on residents.

The teenagers are thought to have been responsible for burglaries and damage to cars in the area.

Three youths have been arrested since the initiative began a fortnight ago. Two were released and one has been charged with being drunk and disorderly.

Police chiefs are continuing the operation in a bid to stamp out problems with fireworks in the run-up to Bonfire Night.

Inspector Stephen Lee said: "There has been a tremendous public response.

"People have been ringing in saying where the problems are. We arrested three on the first night and since then there appears to be quite considerably less juvenile nuisance. "We have also sent letters out to the parents of some of the children who have been in the gangs and split the patrols between areas such as Broadfield, Woodnook and Springhill.

"The juveniles seem to be aged between about 12 and 18 years and we have got to know some of their faces.

"We don't just go in heavy handed. We try to explain the problems the gangs are causing and the small minority who continue to cause trouble are arrested.

"It seems we are making an impact and I'd like to thank the public and officers involved."

Insp Lee added: "At the moment we're concerned with the build-up to Bonfire Night. We're still having problems with children throwing fireworks about.

"It's dangerous for them and others and causes a lot of upset to people who are annoyed by loud bangs outside their house.

"Shopkeepers are committing offences by selling these fireworks to youngsters."

Anyone with information about where children are buying fireworks is asked to call Accrington Police on 01254 382141.

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