A HIGH-TECH police scheme aimed at cracking down on the number of burglaries has been launched in Hyndburn.

Optimal Forager, supported by expert analysis of where home raiders are most likely to strike next, had been previously piloted in both Blackpool and Burnley.

Its introduction has been welcomed by local leaders, who said it could help catch burglars and deter them from striking in the first place.

Council leader Miles Parkinson said: “People who commit a crime tend to go back to that property or a location near to it.

“This is analysis the police go off and it’s proven accurate.

“The modern police service was founded by the Peel family here in Hyndburn and it should be proactive, not reactive.

“Optimal Forager is open to everyone. The police will given certain information to the public and other information to other bodies.”

A burgled property and surrounding properties within a 400 metre area are at greater risk for two weeks after an incident, research by The Jill Dando Institute showed.

This is because successful offenders feel confident about working in the same area.

Optimal Forager gives an opportunity to maximise the preventative measures which can be used to deter and disrupt criminal offending behaviours in areas that have been identified as hot spot areas, most likely to suffer further crimes.

The work will form part of Lancashire Police’s summer burglary campaign and will see a fortnightly meeting held from 10am on Tuesdays.

Councillors will be given documents highlighting key risk areas and notified in any of them fall within their wards.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Bates said: “Burglary can have a truly devastating effect on how people feel in their own homes; often leaving that person feeling vulnerable, scared and anxious.”

Residents have been urged to sign up to In The Know, a free messaging service that allows them to be kept up to date with issues related to their area.

ACC Bates added: “This campaign is about raising awareness of the impact that a burglary can have and making people think.”

See stayintheknow.co.uk.