A NEW CCTV system in Barnoldswick is already helping police in the fight against anti-social behaviour.

Youngsters in the town have been fined for unruly behaviour after being spotted by the town's new Big Brother-style cameras.

Police handed out seven fixed penalty notices to young people aged 15 to 24 years old who were spotted on CCTV being drunk and anti-social in Albert Road on January 13, just before midnight.

The youths were throwing parts of bins around and drunkenly banging into windows. Police dispersed the group and then went through CCTV footage the following day to identify the offenders and fine them between £40 and £80.

Sergeant Andy Cartwright from Barnoldswick Police said: "Barnoldswick's CCTV system has been up and running for a number of weeks now and we believe that it is proving to be a significant deterrent for offenders.

"We've certainly seen a noticeable reduction in damage and anti-social behaviour since the system was switched on which is fantastic news both for us and for local shopkeepers and residents.

"However, the CCTV is not just an excellent deterrent. As this case shows, it is also very effective when it comes to identifying offenders and helping us to take positive action against them.

"People may think they've got away with their anti-social activities, but if they are captured on film, identification is much easier, and as this case proves, justice can be very swift."

As well as the new CCTV system, the area also now has a dedicated neighbourhood policing team consisting of a neighbourhood sergeant, community beat managers, police community support officers, volunteers and response officers.

Sergeant Cartwright said: "With the new officers and the new CCTV system, Barnoldswick has a formidable policing team.

"All we ask is that members of the public support that team and work with us to ensure that Barnoldswick continues to be one of the very safest places around in which to live and work."