AN OPERATION to lock up prolific criminals in East Lancashire has been hailed a success by police.

Officers were given the order to “get in the face of the offender” yesterday morning before launching another burglary crackdown during Operation Julius.

A heavy police presence was deployed across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, in a bid to tackle criminals who specialise in burglary.

By 2pm yesterday, the operation – which ran into the early hours of this morning – had seen four arrests, two search warrants executed, and the capture of a suspected stolen vehicle worth £25,000.

A resident of Elmwood Street, where a man was arrested, did not want to reveal her identity for fear of victimisation.

But she said: “Operation Julius is an absolute Godsend because these last few months have been horrible.

“There are gangs of young-sters living on this street that have no respect for the people who have jobs.

“Drunk drivers, anti-social behaviour, noise pollution at 3am and all sorts.

“I have lived here for 15 years but it has never been as bad as this, so I welcome the police.”

Det Sgt Ben Hodgkinson, of Rossendale CID, was involved in Operation Julius in Hasling-den, Bacup and Rawtenstall.

He said: “We have been targetting insecure properties to give out advice on how to defend against burglary.”

Three arrests were made in Nelson at a property in Wycliffe Street, where two men were arrested for possession of amph-etamines and cannabis as well as handling stolen goods.

A female was arrested at the property for possession of amphetamines.