EXTRA bobbies and a CCTV van have been drafted in to tackle yobbish behaviour after dark across Rossendale.

Additional patrols are being drafted in to town centres to tackle drunk and disorderly behaviour alongside the police's CCTV van which will film known trouble spots so that officers can identify and arrest offenders.

The campaign is part of Lancashire Constabulary's county wide crackdown on night time disorder, Operation Nightsafe.

Rawtenstall Inspector Caroline Edwards said: "While most categories of crime including burglary and vehicle crime are on the decrease, violent crime appears to be rising.

"Thankfully, the numbers here in the Valley are very small but even so, just one crime is one too many.

"That is why we are increasing patrols in our town centres at peak times and pledging to take firm action against offenders.

"Where there is clear evidence of offences - something our CCTV van will help to provide - we will put people before the courts."

Earlier this year police seized alcohol and issued 39 youth referral forms as part of a clampdown on alcohol-related crime across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

Tactics included seizing alcohol from under-18s, taking young people home, putting high-profile patrols on the streets and paying unexpected visits to licensed premises.

Test purchases were carried out at off-licenses in Burnley and Padiham and regular visits were made to the Toll Bar in Stacksteads, which was subject to a youth dispersal order.

Assistant Chief Constable Julia Hodson said: "Our communities are fed up of the aggressive behaviour of alcohol-fuelled youths and the drunken vandalism that is a consequence of binge-drinking.

"These irresponsible people take up a disproportionate amount of police time and resources, drawing officers away from local communities."