CRIMEBUSTERS from Burnley have won a national award for work which has slashed crime in the town centre by nearly a third.

It was accepted on behalf of the town by council leader Councillor Kath Reade, Police Commander Mike Griffin and Safer Cities Coordinator Graham Smyth. The presentation was made in London on Tuesday by Home Office Minister David Maclean.

As well as winning the national award, Burnley also earned a highly commended second place in the category for residential schemes for the anti-burglary work in Burnley Wood, a scheme run through the Safer Cities project.

Judges liked the way both ideas tried to crack crime by involving members of the local community.

The town centre campaign includes closed circuit television with help points for anyone in need, a community radio network, shuttering on shops and a registration scheme for club bouncers.

The highly commended beat-the-burglar Burnley Wood scheme brought recorded crime down by a quarter.

Lights were installed in back streets, graffiti removed and houses broken into repeatedly were targeted for special attention.

Mrs Reade said: "It was our partnership with the Police and others which enabled us to win this award, so I was keen for that partnership to be visible when we accepted it."

Mr Griffin added: "This award reflects well on the partnership we have going for crime prevention in Burnley."

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