VANDALISM at hospital car parks in Blackburn has been slashed by 800 per cent since the introduction of a pay and display scheme and closed circuit TV cameras.

Figures have revealed that there were only four incidents of car vandalism during 1996/97 at Queen's Park Hospital and Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

Before the "controlled car parking" system started in 1993, more than 32 vehicles were damaged by vandals.

Ten vehicles were stolen last year compared to 19 during 1993/94, while 47 cars were broken into - 25 fewer than five years ago. Hospital bosses believe the continued reduction in car crime is down to improvements to the CCTV security system.

A report by the trust's Security Working Group also pays tribute to the customer service efforts of patrolmen.

The scheme, run by contractors Universal Car Parking Management, generated almost £19,000 in income for the trust.

Plans for next year include asking staff for their views on how security should be improved in the hospitals.

The report says: "It is also worth pointing out that since May 1997 there have been two reported thefts from vehicles and two vandalised vehicles.

"This, in the view of the Security Working Group, is due to greater awareness and improvements to the CCTV system.

"In addition to the direct benefit of reducing auto-crime, the patrolmen have helped many visitors and staff with flat batteries, unlocked vehicles, directing visitors to their destinations and many more examples of improved customer service."

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