A BURGLARY-plagued area at the centre of a police blitz is being targeted in a major crime prevention operation aimed at stopping future break-ins.

More than £50,000 worth of property was seized and 60 people were arrested during a crackdown on burglary, codenamed Operation Sutton, centred on the Mill Hill area of Blackburn this week.

The operation, launched on Tuesday, was centred on the district because of the burglary problems residents have endured. Now officers are joining forces with Blackburn with Darwen Council to try and prevent the problems returning.

Police bosses and council leader Malcolm Doherty are to attend an open meeting in the area next week to listen to residents' fears, reassure them and discuss the operation.

And the following day, crime prevention officers will be available to offer advice and visit residents' homes to security-mark property.

Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Carol Hendey will also attempt to launch new schemes covering the area.

Police are also planning an open day within the next few weeks for people to try to identify property recovered during the operation.

The expensive haul, which is believed to have been stolen from scores of homes in the Blackburn and Darwen area, includes jewellery, electrical equipment, cycles and other valuables.

The majority of people arrested have been charged with burglary offences.

Police have also reported a vast reduction in crime during the last week.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Neil Smith said: "This could be down to the fact that the fear of arrest has increased, or that we have got the right people."

The open meeting is to be held at St Aidan's Primary School, Norfolk Street, at 7pm on Thursday.

Crime prevention officers will be based at Mill Hill community centre between 9.30am and 4.30pm the following day.

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