POLICE are hunting a handful of suspects believed to be behind a 15 per cent rise in recorded crime across Colne.

A total of 81 extra offences were tallied in the district, year-on-year, in June, Colne area committee was told.

And the majority of the offending, especially burglaries and car-related crime, is believed to be linked to just four or five offenders.

Police neighbourhood inspector Paul Goodall is confident the 'spike' can be tackled once their targets have been identified and quizzed.

During the month, there were seven break-ins in Waterside, five in Horsfield, three in Vivary Bridge and one in the rural parishes.

Likewise, there were seven thefts from cars in Waterside, nine in Vivary Bridge, five in rural areas and one in Horsfield.

Insp Goodall told councillors that the majority of additional burglaries could be attributed to shed or garage raids.

He added that 'four or five' suspects were thought to be currently active and could account for the rise.

He said: “Two of these on that list have been identified, through the examination of scenes of crimes, so they are being sought. They are keeping a low profile but we will catch up with them.

“This has been a hell of a spike but we are aware of it and are putting some plans in place to deal with it.”

Coun Graham Roach, Waterside councillor and Pendle's deputy mayor, said: “It is disappointing.

“When you look at the figures for the past two years, when they have all come down and down, and now we have got this one 'spike'.”