A MAJOR police blitz on car crime in Darwen has slashed vehicle related incidents by almost half in a month.

Operation Tenor has involved plain clothed and uniformed officers targeting car crime 'hot spots' and known offenders throughout Darwen.

In October, 117 car related crimes, including theft of cars and property taken from vehicles, were reported to police.

In November that figure dropped to 57.

Inspector Tracie O'Gara of Darwen Police said: "Our ultimate aim is to make Darwen a safe place to live and this on-going operation is part of that.

"The operation will continue to run over the next month and those found guilty of car crime will be dealt with severely."

An on-going campaign to catch car tax evaders has seen 20 vehicles clamped, at a cost of £150 per time.

Insp O'Gara said: "Two people have been arrested during the course of the campaign, one on a public order offence and another for interfering with a vehicle clamp.

"We will be doing this on a regular basis. "The message is that people who do not have a tax disc on cars on the road will be clamped."

The police are also urging the public to contact them if they know of anyone committing car crime or acting suspiciously.

Insp O'Gara said: "If people are concerned about a suspicious car in the area or believe someone next door is going out in the middle of the night and acting suspiciously they should contact us.

"And all calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.

"The message to the criminals is clear - we are watching you".

Det Sgt Ian Critchley added: "Thirty per cent of all car crime is because property is on display at the time.

"We would urge people not to leave anything of value in the car.

"If you have a pull out stereo, take it with you, don't put it under the seat."

Anyone with any information about car crime, or any other crime can contact Darwen Police on 701777 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Your call is free and you may qualify for a cash reward.