LANCASHIRE Constabulary and its crime reduction partners have finalised details to drive forward joint plans to tackle street crime in the county.

The nationally-initiated campaign, Safer Streets In Lancashire, is designed to tackle robbery, car jacking, snatch thefts, firearm offences and drug dealing.

But police in the county are to concentrate resources on tackling drug dealing.

Det Supt Ian Jones, who heads up the initiative, said: "Safer Streets In Lancashire will result in more robbers and drug dealers being arrested and court administrators have already put in place measures to ensure these serious offences will be dealt with as quickly as possible.

"The Government is also looking at the whole bail issue after being provided with evidence by our local partnerships showing that the granting of bail can lead to an increase in street crime."

Dr Ruth Henig, chair of the Lancashire Police Authority, said: "This Lancashire partnership remains committed to making the people of Lancashire feel safer in their homes and a number of initiatives are being planned to make life more difficult for people intent on breaking the law."