VICTIMS of crime in Hyndburn will be able to keep in touch with police thanks to a new scheme sponsored by local businesses.

Police in Great Harwood have joined forces with several firms to buy mobile phones which are being given out to vulnerable residents.

The scheme embraces victims of domestic violence and older people who have been the target of juvenile nuisance or bogus officials.

Sponsorship from Perfecta Tiling, Gaskell Textiles Ltd and Slinger's butchers has enabled officers to lend phones to 10 people so they are only the touch of a button from help.

The initiative fits in with a wider crackdown by police in recent months on the problem of juvenile nuisance in the area. Last year Great Harwood police splashed out on a camcorder to film children's rowdy behaviour when officers are on patrol.

And last month they launched a campaign to stamp out vandalism and disorder, believed to be caused by groups of youngsters, in Mercer Park, Clayton-le-Moors.

Scheme co-ordinator PC Helen Jackson said: "This initiative is aimed at both the reduction and prevention of crime and juvenile nuisance."

"We are very pleased that our local sponsors have allowed us to develop this scheme."

Inspector Bob Ford said: "We intend to supply the phones to people who need to stay in touch with us for a wide variety of reasons.

"Many of them are without telephones and by loaning them mobiles we hope we can help make them feel safer.

"Our ultimate aim is to help make the whole community feel safe and hopefully involved and reassured."

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