POLICE in South Ribble this week kick-started a crackdown on crime saying: "let's take this fight to the criminals".

The hard-hitting words came from Superintendent of Southern Division, Steve Watson, at the launch of Operation Cyclone at Lancashire Constabulary Headquarters on Monday .

A dedicated team of more than 60 officers across Southern Division, which includes South Ribble, will target 15 well-known criminals, suspected of burglary, drug-related offences and petty theft, 24 hours a day over the next three weeks.

Officers have already been knocking on their doors warning them they are being watched.

Chief Inspector Steve Ashley, commander of the operation, said: "These people are just a starting point and we know we will track down more to make sure we perform even better than last year."

The chief inspector completed the London Marathon on Sunday revealed police will adopt a zero tolerance approach.

"Anyone who is arrested will either be remanded in custody, or will be placed under very strict bail conditions," he said. "We will be looking to convict with a custodial sentence and the criminals, depending on their offence, could face from three months to three years in prison, which will help make the streets safer."

Police will also work with Preston, Manchester and Merseyside forces to stop cross-border criminals committing offences.

Chief Insp Ashley said: "Southern Division is still the safest place to be in Lancashire and for that reason we want to stop criminals coming from other areas and committing offences.

"It is our aim to reduce crime and the fear of it and Cyclone will do a lot towards this aim."