POLICE are to launch more operations targeting known criminals when the new police division covering Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale comes into being in April.

Supt Mike Griffin, who will head the new division, spoke of the success of Lancashire-wide Operation Quest, which netted hundreds of suspects and recovered thousands of pounds of stolen goods and illegal drugs. About 60 people were arrested in Burnley and Padiham. Mr Griffin warned: "Criminals beware...it is our intention to be doing this sort of operation much more often.''

He said the restructuring of the force with the creation of a much larger division would enable more special operations to take place.

He added: "But that is only one element in an arsenal of police and partnership initiatives.''

He said the support of Burnley Council and other partners in the fight against crime through closed-circuit TV and other initiatives had helped to cut the number of residential burglaries in Burnley by 15.2 per cent over the last 12 months. In South West Burnley, burglaries were down by a massive 29 per cent, even before the council estates become among the first in the country to have CCTV cameras.

He said it was hoped to have similar close partnerships in Pendle and Rossendale under the new set-up.

Det Insp Ron Griffiths said: "I am sure the majority of honest, decent folk in East Lancashire who have assisted the operation by giving us intelligence will be pleased with this result. We intend to continue with similar operations.''

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