FIGURES for serious crime in Hyndburn are falling - but a recent increase in vehicle break-ins is slowing the downward trend.

Community initiatives and higher visibility policing are behind a large drop in the number of crime victims in Hyndburn borough, with fewer residents reporting incidents of violent crime, domestic burglaries and criminal damage.

The Hyndburn Community Safety Partnership was set a government target in 2004 to reduce the borough's crime by 15 per cent.

The base line figure for recorded crime in 2003/04 was 5,648 incidents. This has now dropped to 4,933, a reduction of 12.7 per cent - or 715 fewer victims of crime.

Over the past 12 months the HCSP has been delivering a number of initiatives, which have contributed to the overall reduction in crime. These include crime and grime' projects to regenerate rundown neighbourhoods and install a sense of pride.

Some Youth diversionary initiatives, including clubs and fun days, have kept youngsters off the streets and lowered petty crime rates.

Improvements in street lighting have meant residents have felt safer and more confident about going out at night time, as has increased high visibility policing, it said.

Mick Frankland, vice-chair of the Community Safety Partnership said: "It is always encouraging to relate good news to the local community on safety.

"Much hard work has been done with all partners, in particular in Peel ward where all agencies have been working to engage with youngsters to such an extent that they are now regulars at New Era Complex".

The partnership, which incorporates the police, Hyndburn Council and other agencies, has one more year to reduce this figure to 4,801 recorded incidents.

However, a rise in thefts from vehicles, particularly of expensive tools and satellite navigation equipment, is putting this target at risk.

Mr Frankland said: "The HCSP will be raising public awareness of vehicle crime in order to prevent it from happening in the first place "We will also be targeting vehicle crime hot-spots' with additional enforcement to identify and catch prolific offenders."