TARGETING known offenders and successful community initiatives have led to a 16 per cent fall in crime in Pendle.

Violent crime is down by 23 per cent, vandalism by 17 per cent and house burglary by 14 per cent, said Inspector John Puttock of Pendle Police.

Vehicle crime rose by 2.5 per cent, but Insp Puttock said the increase meant only 12 more offences than last year.

Insp Puttock said a town centre alcohol-free zone in Barnoldswick had cut anti-social behaviour. Anti-social behaviour has seen an 8.7 per cent decrease.

The borough's new chief inspector, Stuart Noble said: "Crime is down significantly.

"The biggest test of what we do, public confidence, is going up."