CROOKS who immediately return to a life of crime after being released from prison are being targeted by police in Burnley.

A team of dedicated officers is to confront up to 20 previous offenders who have returned to the town after serving sentences for burglary and car crime.

Insp Steve Hartley said: "We have had a significant number of people released from prison in the last two months after serving their sentences and who are back in Burnley and committing offences again we believe.

"We have a target list of between ten and 20 known criminals who we believe are involved in crime. We do it all the time but now there will be a real thrust on executing search warrants, stopping suspect vehicles and asking legitimate questions about where they have been.

"We believe they are a threat to the community of Burnley."

Their associates will also be targeted and asked to give information to police.

A 20 per cent drop in burglaries has been achieved since April, but the figure has risen in the last couple of weeks.

Insp Hartley said: "We will be giving descriptions of individuals and where we think they are committing crimes. We are asking for assistance from the public to feed us information through Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555111."