POLICE have hailed their recent crime-busting exercise a success with not a single crime being reported in the St James area of Darwen since the patrols were put in place.

Patrols had to be stepped up on the St James estate following a recent crime spree in which more than 20 properties were targeted.

The burglaries had mainly been taking place in the day time with jewellery and electrical goods making up the bulk of the hauls.

Sgt Andrea Bradbury said she was delighted to report that burglaries on the St James estate were down to 'virtually nil' and that outstanding burglary, robbery and theft offences had been detected.

Sgt Bradbury said she was very grateful to members of the public, who as a result of an appeal in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, had called them with information.

She said the operation would be continuing for a couple more weeks and the police would be active in the area.

The patrols were carried out with the help of community organisations and Twin Valley Homes.

Twin Valley Homes have been warning tenants that any criminal activity could lead to them being evicted from their houses.

Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for St James and Chapels, Mrs Sue Freear said: "There had been a gang of lads terrorising the neighbourhood, but touch wood, over the last couple of weeks it has been absolutely quiet.

"There have also been drug swoops and a lot of drugs have gone off the estate as well."

She added: "Over the last two months crime on the estate had seemed to be getting suddenly worse and problems were escalating.

"Hopefully when this police presence dies down they won't come back again.

"It has been really good with the police being here but we can't expect it to go on for ever."

Sgt Bradbury said that police would still like to hear from anyone with any further information on crime on the St James estate.

They should contact Darwen police on 01254 353844.