BURNLEY magistrates is to become a pilot specialist street crime court set up as part of the Government's bid to tackle violent crime.

The court, along with Preston Crown Court and Preston and Blackpool magistrates, will give street crime such as robbery, possession of firearms, snatch thefts and carjacking a high priority.

The courts are part of the robbery reduction initiative, announced by Home Secretary David Blunkett in March.

Lancashire has been highlighted as well as 10 forces from across the country included in the scheme aimed at cracking down on rising street crime.

Other initiatives in the scheme include the Viper video ID scheme to save robbery victims in East Lancashire the ordeal of facing their attackers and £20m has been promised to local crime fighting partnerships, including more than £230,000 in East Lancashire.

The courts have been chosen to provide victims and witnesses with support and facilities like secure waiting areas.

Mr Blunkett said: "These courts are a vital step in ensuring swift and effective action to tackle street crime and will build on the work of the police in bringing more of these offenders to justice.

"While overall crime is down, street crime is rising.

"If we are to succeed in turning this tide we must continue to work to ensure that the processes are in place right across the system to bring about the real and lasting differences that will make people feel safer."

Det Supt Ian Jones, of Lancashire Police, said: "We are pleased to support this initiative as it falls in line with the work we are doing to tackle robbery and other street crime.

"This will assist in putting offenders before the courts and ensuring justice is served more quickly.

"The people of Lancashire should be reassured that this will improve the existing system as offenders will be locked up much sooner, taking them off the streets and therefore unable to commit further offences.

"It will also send a message to potential criminals in the county that Lancashire Constabulary is taking a hard line and supports swift justice."

The robbery reduction scheme was introduced because of a soaring rate of robberies over the past 12 months, up by 26 per cent across the country.

It was already operating in London, but before Mr Blunkett's change of heart was not due to be expanded nationally until July.

The crackdown means up to 5,000 police officers will be switched from traffic and administration duties back to street patrols.

As well as more officers on the streets the crackdown will see police working with education authorities to try to identify juvenile offenders.