POLICE are stepping up patrols in Baxenden after an increase in crime in the area.

Gangs of youths have reportedly been causing a nuisance in Oak Hill Park and Haworth Park, and both Hollins School and the Haworth Art Gallery have suffered damage.

Homes on Royds Avenue have also suffered damage to fence panels, and now the police are appealing for witnesses to the crimes.

Police believe that a gang of youngsters from outside Baxenden are behind the damage.

Sergeant Bob Eaton, community beat sergeant, is confident the police are due to make arrests and put an end to the problems.

He said: "We have had these sorts of flare-ups with Baxenden's normally low crime rate in the past. We have always dealt with them robustly, and this will be no different.

"The nuisance in the park has been dealt with by visiting parents and a number of youths have been put on behaviour contracts to nip this in the bud.

"The damage is a different matter. We are piecing together a lot of information and evidence and we know that a small group of youngsters from just outside the area are responsible for all of the damage."

Local community beat managers PCs Lynne Williams and Clare Wall have been investigating the crimes.

Anybody with information can contact PC Williams on 01254 353103.