MORE than 60 children have been stopped by police and alcohol has been seized as part of a crackdown on crime and litter in Rishton.

But officers in the town who took part in the week-long Crime and Grime' operation accused parents of not giving them enough support.

Police ran high visibility patrols last week, and today revealed that more than 60 names of children were noted, and a number of youngsters were escorted home and given verbal warnings in front of their parents.

Large quantities of alcohol were seized from juveniles, and a mini motorbike was confiscated. A number of arrests for criminal damage and drink related offences were also made, and fixed penalties were issued.

But police today said parents needed to work more effectively with officers.

PC Johanna Bourne, Rishton community beat manager, said: "The outcome of this operation has been a success. Violent crime and criminal damage offences have been greatly reduced due to our actions.

"On the downside I feel that greater support is needed from the parents. A number of parents were visited after their children had been returned home. Some weren't supportive of this action and argued that their children should be allowed to do as they please.

"However, most were supportive and thanked the police for their positive stance on anti-social behaviour." Crime and Grime was first run in the Woodnook area of Accrington last year, and the operation, run in conjunction with the fire service, local council and a housing association, is expected to be rolled out to other towns including Great Harwood and Clayton-le-Moors.

Sergeant Ian Corbett said: "Due to the amounts of alcohol seized I would plead with parents to monitor their children's activities as some are unaware of where they are and what they are doing.

"We need to work together on this to improve the quality of life for all persons living in Rishton."