A CROOK took Home Secretary Jack Straw's crimebuster appeal - "Don't walk on by" - too literally.

The thief walked into Bangor Street Community Centre, Blackburn, and stole Mr Straw's framed photo portrait from the wall!

The Blackburn MP was given the portrait by the National Asian Business Forum in recognition of his work for the Asian Community, but gave it to Bangor Street as he wanted it hung in Blackburn.

But now it has disappeared six months after Mr Straw unveiled it, just as he was making his highly publicised appeal to the public not to turn a blind eye to wrongdoing.

It was reported missing yesterday by community centre workers, but it is believed to have been taken sometime between 5pm on Thursday February 18 and 11am the next day.

There was no sign of a break-in at the centre and police are investigating.

The portrait which is in a 3ft by 2ft 6in gold frame, was hung on a wall on the ground floor of the centre.

Suzanne Halliwell, spokeswoman for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "Members of the community centre were very honoured to receive this portrait from Mr Straw and are now concerned that it has gone missing.

"We are not sure of its value but would like anybody who has any information about its disappearance to contact the police on 01254 51212."

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