A REVIEW of the location of CCTV cameras is to be carried out across the borough after the number of violent and vehicle crimes rose.

Blackburn with Darwen's Crime and Disorder Partnership -- made up of the local council and police -- has compiled specific figures for the area which show that while crime overall has fallen by one per cent in the last year, some crime are rocketing.

The number of violent crimes committed in Blackburn and Darwen between April 2002 and March 2003 rose 2.7 per cent compared with those committed between April 2001 and March 2002. It climbed from 2,303 to 2,365.

Vehicle crimes

The number of vehicle crimes recorded in the borough rose from 2,467 to 2,609, up 5.8 per cent.

And the number of 'vehicle interference' crimes -- recorded separately from vehicle crime and including things like smashing windows and slashing tyres -- went up 23.8 per cent, from 193 to 239.

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, whose portfolio includes the partnership, said: "There are some statistics which are giving us cause for concern and we are taking several steps.

"One is to look at where CCTV cameras are sited and how they are operating and if that could be improved."

And he pledged that the council would make the borough's car parks safe for the public once again.

He said: "We are already investing a large sum of money bringing our council-owned car parks up to 'secure by design' standards.

"This involves the use of CCTV, among other things, making sure they are well lit and removing anything which can provide cover, such as bushes and shrubs.

"The detailed figures show particular problem areas and these improvements should make it safer for people to park in the town centre of Blackburn.

"But we would urge people to use their loaf when parking and make sure they don't leave anything of value on display.

"It doesn't matter how secure we make something, there will always be someone daft enough to try to steal things.

"We are working very closely with the police to make the borough a safer place."

Ban review

A review of how Blackburn's street drinking ban is working is also taking place. In total, 16,122 crimes were recorded in 2002/03, compared to 16,283 in the previous year.

There were 260 fewer domestic burglaries recorded -- down 17.4 per cent -- from 1,495 in 2001/02 to 1,235 in the last year.

But other burglaries -- such as at businesses -- was up 0.5 per cent, 1,255 to 1,261.

The number of people caught in possession of drugs rose 21.2 per cent, from 264 to 320. Both drug dealers and burglars have been targeted by police in separate operations designed to reduce crime over the past 12 months.

Arson also fell heavily, from 239 to 181-- down 24.3 per cent.