A WOMAN has criticised police for showing ‘no interest’ in a suspected burglary she witnessed.

Marilyn Bysh, of Knowlesley Road, Darwen, said she was left frustrated at every turn after spotting a break-in while driving through the town.

Mrs Bysh, former secretary of Darwen Civic Society which closed last year, said she was driving along Wood Street on Wednesday when she saw the crime.

She said: “There was an open window and I could see a man climbing through and there was another man stood below.

“I went straight to the police station in Union Street to report it but was told everyone was in a meeting and I had to wait.

“I waited a little while before going home in disgust, knowing full well the individuals would be long gone by then.”

Mrs Bysh said she continued in her efforts to report the crime when she got home, but it was to no avail.

She said: “I called the police but it just rang and rang and rang, so then I thought I would try Crimestoppers.

“All I got was a voice saying I was in a queue and my call would be answered as soon as possible.

“It was pointless and ridiculous.

“I was blocked at every turn. They were just not interested.

“There is no way I will ever report anything again.

“I will just let them get on with it.”

Insp Abid Khan, of Blackburn Police, said: “If she had to wait at the station for 10 minutes then that is disappointing. Somebody should have just deployed someone to look into it.

“Having said that, if Mrs Bysh has witnessed a crime taking place, she should really have called 999.

“I would also urge everyone wishing to speak to local police to ring 101, not the number of their local police station, as that should be answered within a few seconds.

“I will speak to Mrs Bysh and look into her concerns.”