AN award-winning crimestopper scheme has scooped yet more praise. The crime crackdown initiative in South West Burnley has won one award and been shortlisted for another in a national contest.

House burglaries were cut by 27 per cent and total recorded crime fell by 23 per cent in the first 12 months of the scheme in which Burnley Council worked with residents, police and other organisations. The initiative has been named winner of the partnership category of the Local Government News Council Crimestop Competition.

Council leader Kath Reade will be in London on October 21 to receive the award from Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw.

The scheme has also been shortlisted for the National Crime Prevention and Community Safety Awards.

Coun Tony Harrison, chairman of the council's community safety sub-committee, will travel to the capital tomorrow week for those awards, presented by The Princess Royal.

The scheme will receive either a certificate of commendation or a top prize including £1,000 and the possibility of a European nomination.

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