CRIMINAL damage and arson in Nelson was double in July compared to last year, new figures have revealed.

Police believe the dramatic rise in vandalism and arson, from 24 incidents in July 2012 to 51 last month, could be due to ‘good feeling’ created by the Olympics last summer.

The offence of criminal damage includes smashing windows, damaging cars, graffiti that cannot be removed and arson.

The force has stepped up patrols in troubled areas, calling on officers from other Pendle towns to create more of a presence on Nelson streets.

Criminal damage in Colne dropped from 27 incidents last July to 12 this year. Brierfield residents suffered a slight increase in the offences, from 11 in July 2012 to 13 last month.

Barrowford saw four incidents of criminal damage last month, an increase from just one in July 2012. Barnoldswick and West Craven saw a decrease of five, from 15 to 10.

One night of criminal activity in Nelson last month, when five incidents of criminal damage were recorded within a ten minute walk of each other, contributed to the rise, police said.

Within four to five hours after midnight one night last month, a rubbish fire was started in a back yard, another in a disused garage, a clothing bin and recycling bin were torched, and two cars were set on fire on business premises.

These incidents happened in Dover Street, Elm Street, Bankhouse Road, Bradley Road, New Scotland Road and Elizabeth Street.

Sgt Shaun Pearson, from Nelson Police, said: “These statistics really do stand out, but it’s better to look at trends than just figures. Hot weather and people being out later is a factor, but doesn’t tell the whole story.

“All crime numbers were lower last summer, which could well be because of the good feeling around the Olympics.

“There is no simple solution, but we are tackling criminal damage with a strategic police presence.”