A BARNOLDSWICK businessman is urging people in the town to report crime against them, in a bid to get more police resources to the area.

Ian Wright, who owns Vicarage Road Motor Company, has seen 16 cars parked on his forecourt damaged in two attacks in one week and believes more police officers are needed to control crime in the area.

But during conversations with the police, when he reported the two separate incidents, he said he was told that many residents are not reporting vandalism and burglaries -- because crime statistics show there is only a minor problem.

Mr Wright said: "I was told only 11 crimes a week were being reported in Barnoldswick. That is ridiculously low and I would say it was that figure each day. In comparison to Burnley and Nelson it probably doesn't seem a lot, but there shouldn't be any crime at all.

"Initially, I wasn't going to report the second attack because I didn't think there was any point with the police saying they haven't any resources. But now I think everyone should report offences, no matter how trivial and whether they think the police can do anything about it.

"If they don't report it it doesn't go down in statistics and the police will still think Barnoldswick is a sleepy town which does not need any more resources.

"There are a lot of people offending and it's happening all over the town, not just in one area. If people don't make the police aware of the crimes, then they can't blame the police for not giving us extra resources."

Resident Jackie Wright, of Vicarage Road, had her car vandalised twice in three days and believes there is a serious need for more police officers walking the streets.

She said: "I know they can't be there every time something happens, but if they are aware of the problems they should be keeping an eye on them. The police say there is no crime in Barnoldswick so it doesn't need as many officers checking, but there is a lot of crime."

Inspector Richard Morgan said: "I can confirm that Mr Wright has been in touch with us regarding an incident at the Vicarage Road Motor Company and officers are looking into the matter.

"Where clear evidence of offenders is forthcoming we will seek to prosecute those concerned. If you are unfortunate to become a victim of crime it is imperative that you tell the police about it. Only when we have a clear picture of crime can we make real inroads into tackling it.

"We are sympathetic with the victims of crime and we would prefer it if no-one was a victim. When you compare Barnoldswick to other areas, such as Burnley, the crime figures are very low and we are working very hard so that it drops further."