ALMOST 500 people in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale have been saved from being burgled or having their car stolen, thanks to a county-wide crime crackdown by Lancashire police.

Since Operation Reassure was launched back in November, figures show there have been 38.6 per cent less burglaries and 18.6 per cent fewer thefts from sheds and outbuildings, compared with the same period last year.

A total of 412 offenders have also been arrested across the county, thanks to the operation.

Inspector Dave Croll, of Pennine Division, which has spreadheaded the operation, said: '"Operation Reassure was designed to crackdown on the sort of crimes which cause the public the most concern and in doing that, provide a degree of reassurance to local communities.

"The reduction in the number of crime victims compared to last year and the high arrest rate shows our determination to beat crime and should hopefully go some way towards providing reassurance to local residents."

Police are also urging members of the public to do their bit for the operation and crime reduction, by calling Crimestoppers with any information on crimes on 0800 555111.