RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans has expressed concern over the reduction of police station opening times.

And he urged Ribble Valley Council to keep its vow to stop the area from becoming a 'soft touch' for travelling criminals following the results of the area's recent Crime and Disorder Audit.

He said said: "I welcome new schemes and initiatives such as the increased use of CCTV cameras within the area, but there must be a full appreciation that rural crime is as destructive as that in towns and cities.

The audit reveals that many crimes in rural parts of the Ribble Valley were committed by travelling crooks, who tour the area targeting sheds and particularly farm outbuildings.

The biggest increase was seen at Gisburn and Rimington, where burglaries other than in a dwelling more than doubled from seven in 1999/2000 to 18 in 2000/2001.

Crime also rose in Bowland, Newton and Slaidburn, from eight to nine; and in Ribchester, where burglaries rose from five to 12 during the study period.

Decreases were recorded in Sabden, Wiswell and Pendleton, where burglaries dropped from 19 in 1999/2000 to six in 2000/2001; and in Bolton-by-Bowland, with no such burglaries committed in 2000/2001 compared with seven in 1999/2000.

Mr Evans added: "I am greatly concerned by the reduction in the number of hours that local police stations are open to the public.

"Local knowledge and police living in rural communities is vitally important and a perfect example of the Lancashire Constabulary's problem in replacing the local bobby at Slaidburn."

He added: "I would welcome the introduction of more specials into the area. I feel that it would also be beneficial for Lancashire police to re-issue the guidelines for all Neighbourhood Watch schemes so we can all play a role in combating this increase in crime."