PARENTS in Pendle are urged by police to keep an eye on their children, after an increase in juvenile crime.

Inspector Martin Holleran and Sergeant Chris Saville, of Barnoldswick Police, said they wanted to send out a stark warning not only to local youths who are committing acts of vandalism and disorder, but also to their parents or guardians.

They said that parents who did not know their children's whereabouts on a Friday night should expect a phone call from the police if they were found to be causing trouble in Barnoldswick town centre.

The warning comes after several incidents of criminal damage to windows in recent weeks, the most recent on Friday night when a window was damaged in Orchard Street and another at the Pet Shop in Rainhall Road.

Insp Holleran said: "Since my return to policing in West Craven in the last few weeks I have noticed several incidents of anti-social behaviour, largely due to the holiday period and I have been working closely with Sergeant Saville and the local community beat managers to target known offenders.

"Three local youths who are well known to the police were arrested the previous Friday for drunk and disorderly offences and one was found to be in possession of a controlled drug.

"This style of policing will continue with the support of officers from Colne and the Special Constabulary until we have brought this type of behaviour under control. If this means that parents or guardians are forced to go to Colne custody office to collect their drunken children, then so be it.

"I do not see why shopkeepers, residents and those law-abiding people who enjoy the town's nightlife should have to put up with this level of vandalism. It brings the whole town down and could drive trade away."

Community beat managers have been visiting licensed premises this week to ensure their continued support in the drive to stop under-age drinking.

The police will also be working with the local youth team to try and divert the youths in to other activities.

Insp Holleran said: "What we must remember is that the vast majority of youths in this area are well behaved and do not cause trouble. Unfortunately, the small group who do give all young people a bad name.

"This weekend we are using video cameras to film youths who are in the centre then if there is any trouble and we receive descriptions we will be able to tie the descriptions to the individuals. We will also be able to show the parents or guardians what their children are getting up to."

Anyone with information about any recent vandalism should contact the police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.