MORE than 5,500 on-the-spot fines have been handed out by police in East Lancashire in the last year.

Lancashire Police handed out 14,793 penalty notices for disorder (PNDs) across the county between June 2006 and July 2007.

The figures - which local police put down to more pro-active policing - include 5,639 in East Lancashire.

Eastern Division which covers Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley came top of the list in Lancashire with officers issuing 3,274 fines.

Pennine Division, covering Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale saw 2,365 of the punishments given out, which was the third highest total.

Since the introduction of PNDs in 2004 the force has issued 30,894 fines county wide, the second highest total nationally behind the Metropolitan Police, which issued 51,665.

On the spot fines of £50 or £80 were introduced as a way to deliver swift justice and a free up officers to concentrate on more serious crimes.

They were designed for crimes such as being drunk and disorderly, criminal damage, shoplifting and causing alarm harassment or distress to others.

Police have hailed the figures and said they would continue to clampdown on people causing a nuisance.

Inspector John Clucas said other forces were contacting him for advice on how to implement the scheme.

He said: "The PND has many benefits for the police.

"Not only are they a quick way to deal with anti-social behaviour, but they also allow the officer to spend more time out on the streets.

"If the offender is not arrested it is much less inconvenient.

"There is no court appearance, so the offender does not have to return to the area if they live some distance away.

"The custody process also benefits because it is much simpler with more streamlined paperwork.

"This means that prisoners can be processed more quickly, easing burdens on the custody offices and ensuring people spend less time in custody waiting to be dealt with."

For cases of criminal damage where more than £500 worth of damage is caused or shoplifting when more than £200 worth of goods are stolen offenders will be formally prosecuted.

If the fine is paid within 21 days the person will not face criminal conviction.