A POSTER campaign has been launched to back the £1million police safer streets in Lancashire initiative.

The double-sided posters have a dual purpose with a warning to offenders that both the police and courts are united in the fight against street crime on one side, while overleaf offers advice on how to prevent street crime and a number people can contact if they have any information about local criminals.

The posters, along with A5 flyers, will be put up in public buildings and other venues across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale over the coming weeks.

Det Chief Insp Dave Brian, head of CID at Pennine Division, said: "Safer Streets in Lancashire is a year-long, county-wide crackdown, launched as a direct result of the Government's Street Crime Initiative.

"Our message to local offenders, particularly those suspected of robbery and Class A drugs offences, is clear: you will be targeted and put before the courts at the first available opportunity. Furthermore, the chances are, you will go to prison."

So far, 46 people have been arrested in Pennine in connection with drugs offences as part of the Safer Streets in Lancashire campaign. They were arrested following a series of early morning raids earlier this month in Burnley and Colne.

DCI Brian added: "Street crime and drug dealing will not be tolerated in Pennine Division. We already have a good deal of information on suspected offenders and, over the coming weeks and months, they will be receiving a visit from local police officers who are aiming to carry out a raid a day in order to rid communities of local criminals.

"However, as always, we would welcome further information from the local community. That can be passed direct to us or it can be given in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."