DRINKERS are facing a pub ban if they are caught damaging cars after a night on the town.

Police in Darwen today announced the launch of a zero tolerance campaign targeting pubs in the area after an increase in the number of cars being damaged close to licensed premises.

There have been 177 reported incidents of vehicle damage since January, including smashed windows, stolen wheel trims, slashed tyres, bent radio aerials and broken wing mirrors.

There were an 'extraordinary' 33 cases that occurred in Harwood Street, Darwen, within the first two days of the New Year, bringing January's total to 95.

Another 41 incidents have been reported in both February and March so far.

Officers said they will be issuing licensees with posters warning drinkers they will be barred from pubs in the town if they are caught damaging cars after a night in the pub.

Detective Sergeant Neil Hunter from Darwen CID said although the figures did not just represent incidents close to pubs, a meeting with victims had prompted them to launch the campaign after it was suggested the offences were being committed after closing time.

He said licensees would be receiving a letter about the campaign within the next week and said: "During the course of this year we have noticed that the most persistent and prolific criminal offence being committed is damage to motor vehicles.

"This kind of crime is very easy to commit but very difficult to detect and causes untold mayhem and distress to the proud owners of vehicles.

"Not only does it upset owners but vehicle damage in and around pub car parks affects trade and people don't feel as though they have got the confidence to park close to pubs.

"We want to make clientele aware that if they are caught damaging vehicles after leaving the pub they will be excluded. It is such mindless vandalism and it is behaviour we are not prepared to tolerate.

"If this initiative prevents somebody from committing damage then it's a crime reduction method that prevents another victim of crime and it is more than worth while."

The campaign follows a similar one run in Blackburn earlier in the year.

DS Hunter also urged anyone with information about the incidents in Harwood Street to contact Darwen CID on 01254 353842 as officers were still investigating.