Hunt for Colne vandal gang (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Hunt for Colne vandal gang

10:53am Tuesday 9th March 2010

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A PUBLIC appeal is being made to catch a gang of vandals who have targeted homes across a Colne neighbourhood.

Troublemakers have hurled stones through windows of several homes in the Waterside district throughout February.

Crime levels have been falling in Colne, but the number of criminal damage incidents is 16 for 2010, compared to just six 12 months ago.

And no fewer than six have been recorded in Waterside, prompting extra patrols by neighbourhood police.

Inspector Jon Fryer, of Colne Police, urged anyone with information to come forward.

He said: “These people have been hurling bricks through front and back windows in the dead of night and it is apparently motiveless.

“It is not one particular street and there doesn’t seem to be any reason that these properties have been targetted.”

Police have also pledged to step up patrols in nearby Walton Street, where two of the lower blocks will be the subject of compulsory purchase orders in the coming weeks.

One of the few remaining residents, Rosa McDonnell, has already complained that her home has been targeted.

Insp Fryer said he had experience of similar properties in Burnley, earmarked for demolition, being targeted by thieves and vandals as neighbouring homes became vacant.

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