POLICE have thanked the people of Darwen for their help in a crackdown against criminals operating in the area.

Thanks to information and a number of tip-offs, 17 people have been arrested and burglary levels cut by two-thirds on this time last year.

In the first two weeks of Operation Exclaimer, launched at the start of October, there were six burglaries, compared to 18 for the same period in 2001. The reduction was also matched by a fall in the amount of car crimes, from 26 in 2001 to 22 this year.

Of the 17 people arrested, ten have been charged, with five released on police bail awaiting results of forensic tests on suspected drugs. The five charged include six juveniles of which one, an 11-year-old boy, was charged with burglary and arson.

Sgt Alice Knowles, geographic co-ordinator, said: "We've seen a significant number of arrests which have had a huge effect on crime in Darwen. People have been coming forward more and they're more willing to give us information, and we've used that to target where our resources go."

Coun David Smith, of Darwen, said he welcomed the work by the police. I know around my area that they've done quite a lot of work and arrested quite a few people. Residents have come to me with information and I've passed quite a bit on to the police."

Sgt Knowles reminded everyone to continue to be vigilant and to lock their cars and homes.

Anyone with information about criminal activity should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.