CAT burglars across Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde are fast running out on their luck and loot as local police crackdown on ruthless opportunists.

Homeowners' safety is top of the police agenda as the third phase of Lancashire Constabulary's Operation Reassure got off to a great start this month when more than 100 arrests were made in the Blackpool area in less than two weeks.

The operation will run through to the Christmas and New Year period, which is a popular time for burglaries. The two main aims of the operation are to reduce the number of burglaries committed and therefore reduce the number of burglary victims and increase the number of arrests for house thefts.

Chief Inspector Bill McMahon, of Blackpool police, said: "It is going extremely well and we have made more than 100 arrests in less than two weeks. We are focusing on the burglary of dwellings and hoping to make the public feel reassured and safe in their homes.

"This is being implemented in a variety of ways ranging from high visibility policing in certain areas to handing out leaflets outlining ways of making their properties more secure.

"Although the main focus is on burglary of dwellings we are also seeking to reduce the number of violent crimes committed and car thefts.

"By and large the success of the operation in Blackpool is also being reflected throughout the rest of the county."

Detective Chief Superintendent Adrian McAllister, of Lancashire police, explained: "This is good news for the people of Lancashire with a significant number of suspected criminals being arrested and taken off the streets.

"We will continue to have extra officers from headquarters supporting divisional detectives with the aim of increasing the number of suspected burglars we arrest.

"Of course we will still need the public's help in reducing burglary and we would encourage people to take the relevant crime prevention precautions, such as leaving the lights on and locking all the doors and windows when leaving home.

"We are also keen to hear from anyone with information about any crime. They can contact their local police station or call Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111."