CRIME levels are reported to be falling in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale following 177 arrests so during Operation Reassure.

House burglary is down by 35.8 per cent across the Pennine Division, shed and garage breaks are down by 10.4 per cent and car crime is down by 29.6 per cent as a result of the crime crackdown.

Police said these figure equate to 352 less victims of crime across the three boroughs.

Inspector Dave Croll, head of Pennine Division's Support Unit which, along with geographic officers, has carried out numerous raids on the homes of suspected burglars and car thieves, said he is very pleased with the results so far.

He said: "Thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our officers, 177 people have been spared the misery of becoming a victim of house burglary or vehicle crime.

"And while we realise that even one victim is one too many, I think everyone who has either been spared the upset of crime or had the perpetrator of their crime caught will be pleased with our results." Mr Croll pledged to continue the hunt to track down offenders throughout Christmas and the New Year.

He said: "Despite the festive season there will be no let up in the fight against crime. We are determined to drive down crime in the Pennine Division and continue to build on our success."