A TWO-month crime crackdown is set to be launched in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale tomorrow.

Police hope that Operation Facio, which is being rolled out across the Pennine division, will target organised crime and target known offenders, until the end of March.

Tonight sees the launch of the eight-week long initiative, with high-visibility patrols taking to the streets of Burnley, Nelson, Colne and Rawtenstall, to concentrate on alcohol-related crime.

Extra officers will also be sent out to known trouble spots where young people gather for illegal drinking sessions, such as parks, streets corners and subways.

Chief Insp Stuart Noble, who is leading the operation, said: "The majority of people who go out on a Friday and Saturday night enjoy themselves and behave responsibly.

"The message we want to get across is that the police, the licensing trade and other party goers won't accept bad behaviour and it won't be tolerated across Pennine division."

The operation will focus on four main objectives - reducing the frequency of violent crimes, reducing anti-social behaviour rates, increasing the fear of arrests for organised crime groups, particularly drug dealers, and reducing the overall crime rate.

Police are also keen to identify vulnerable groups, who feel they are being unduly affected by crime and would benefit from the constabulary's assistance.

Chief Supt Neil Smith, head of Pennine police division, added: "The idea of the operation is to have an integrated approach to the way in which we protect the public.

"We intend to seriously disrupt criminal activitiy of those who present the biggest threat to our communites."

Operations will focus on a variety of issues, from drug-dealing and burglaries, to road safety, anti-social behaviour and town centre violence.

Mr Smith said the operation was not simply about executing warrants but providing reassurance for the communities which the police served on a daily basis.

Lancashire Constabulary was highly rated in the latest round of police assessment figures and Mr Smith said that Pennine division was regularly recognised as one of the best performing units within the county.