RURAL crime in the Darwen area fell last year, according to figures released by the police.

And officers have praised the community for its help in combatting the criminals.

Reported crime in Edgworth, Turton, Tockholes and Belmont went down 34 per cent overall in 2001 against the recorded crime figures for 2000.

Burglary was down by 21 per cent, stealing from cars was down 29 per cent and stealing of cars was down by more than half at 52 per cent.

Area policing co-ordinator Sgt Andrea Bradbury said: "I frequently have contact with members of the community in our rural areas and I appreciate the need to police these areas as effectively as we can.

"In general terms, crime numbers in rural areas tend to be comparatively low but such areas are more difficult to cover in terms of access, geographic size and their boundaries with other police forces and divisions.

They also have their own unique problems such as travelling criminals who can create a significant impact if not disrupted or apprehended quickly."

Area inspector for Darwen Graham Ashcroft said: "Of course I am delighted with such a trend in our crime figures. We have extremely good contacts with the community in our rural areas, active Neighbourhood Watches and the community ringing us with information is a great help to us.

"Throughout the last year we have actively policed the areas, each of which has a dedicated rural beat officer. Additional support is provided by staff from Darwen and our divisional support teams such as air support, road policing and dogs - although mounted patrols have been restricted this year due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

"We have also conducted cross-border exercises with our colleagues in Chorley and Greater Manchester targeting specific individuals and problems."

He added: "The Lancashire Evening Telegraph has also helped us in passing out information to our communities. Despite these good results, we do not intend to be complacent and hope to keep up the good work with public support."

In Edgworth, crime was down 28 per cent with 72 crimes reported last year, as opposed to 100 in 2000.

In Turton, figures fell 44 per cent with 33 crimes being reported last year and 59 the year before.

In Belmont, crime was down 34 per cent with 33 crimes reported in 2001 as opposed to 50 in 2000.

Tockholes saw no real change as there were 23 crimes reported in 2000 and 24 in 2001.

Anyone needing to speak to their rural beat officer on a non-urgent matter or for advice can contact PC Jim Wood at Turton on 01204 852003, PC Phil Stevenson at Edgworth on 01204 853173 or Sue Large at Belmont and Tockholes on 01204 811236.

Otherwise they should ring 999 or Darwen Police on 01254 701777 as appropriate.