Man arrested in Burnley for string of offences which were never actually reported to police

Officers in Burnley were only made aware of the criminality, which included three attempted burglaries and assault, after they were posted on local crime pages on social media.

Despite the man now being in custody, police are advising people to report crimes to them instead of posting videos of offenders on social media.

A spokesperson for the police said: "We would like to point out that local crime pages are a great tool in helping us find those responsible for committing crime across Burnley.

"However, if crimes are never reported to us then it is impossible for us to know what is going on and where to focus our attention and what areas to target the most.

"The majority of the offences the male has been arrested for were never reported to us.

"We have only discovered these after finding them posted on social media which makes it more difficult in locating and arresting those responsible for committing crime in our community."

Police were recently made aware of footage circulating on a Burnley crime page on social media, which showed a man trying a door handle in an attempt to get inside a property on Leamington Avenue.

This occurred during the early hours of Saturday October 2.

Another video was also posted showing a man involved in an altercation with a member of staff at Iceland on Briercliffe Road.

The man was identified and arrested on Tuesday evening.

The spokesperson added: "Since these were posted an investigation followed which identified the male responsible, the male is also suspected of numerous other offences in the area which were identified during the investigation.

"We would like to make the residents of Burnley aware that tonight during the early hours, we have arrested a 42-year-old male for a number of offences.

"These include three attempted burglaries, one burglary, shoplifting, assault and public order.

"The male is currently in custody awaiting interview.

"We are grateful that we have come across the footage and managed to arrest a male in relation to this.

"However, if you do see anything you think is suspicious or you witness a crime on going then please contact us on 999 if it is an emergency or 101 if it is not."

You can also provide information to the police anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website orlo.uk/FvKF9.