A "WORRYING" increase in violent crimes in Nelson has been reported by a police inspector.

Speaking at a council meeting Nelson Inspector, Paul Robinson said that although overall crime figures had been reduced, there was a "worrying increase in violent crime, including domestic violence."

Insp Robinson was addressing a meeting of the Pendle Community Safety Partnership in Nelson Town Hall.

He also revealed that there had been a significant increase in the number of burglaries in the Whitefield and Cloverhill areas of the town.

The figures were from statistics gathered during the period April 1 2001 to March 31 2002 and April 1 to August 31 2002.

Insp Robinson said: "These appeared to be opportunistic and drugs related. Tenants from a significant number of privately rented properties nearby might be responsible and an investigation is underway."

Speaking about how his force was going to tackle the increase in crime, Insp Robinson said that he was optimistic about receiving extra support from special constables and about a pilot scheme for Street Safety Wardens who would "pro-actively" patrol specific areas in the borough.

These measures, he hoped, would allow the police to become better equipped to deal with the crime rises.

Whitefiled Councillor, Colin Waite will meet Inspector Robinson at Nelson Police station today in an effort to produce a strategy for tackling the rise in crime.

Coun Waite said: "I am quite certain that the police will come forward about how they are operating and what their future plans are and we will tell them what we are picking up from residents.

"I would assume that after today we will know a lot more.

"The councillors in Nelson have a good relationship with the police who operate in the town."