BOATING visitors to Todmorden have been warned to avoid stopping in the town centre because of an increase of theft and violence.

Shire Cruisers, of Hebden Bridge, has told its customers of the dangers they face and sent a letter to Todmorden Town Council highlighting the problems of vandalism and theft, particularly near the shop and library locks.

The company said that one customer had £40 stolen from his boat while going through the lock and that others had been spat at and bombarded with stones.

But the police in Todmorden say it is not a high crime area and there have been only four reports of incidents in that area this year.

Inspector Chris Long, in Todmorden, received a letter from Shire Cruisers on August 22 stating that people were having their boats smashed up at locks three and four.

A letter was sent back to the boating company saying that police in Todmorden did not condone this kind of behaviour and that if people reported such crimes they would be fully investigated.

Inspector Long said: "The police have put an action plan together to deter potential offenders and since September 1 high visibility foot patrols have been paying particular attention to boat moorings and canal locks.

"Officers have spoken to people using the boats and their reaction was that there is not a problem but we will continue to treat the area as a high priority."

Todmorden Council has discussed the situation and is awaiting a response to letters sent by the town clerk to the police and Shire Cruisers.

Shire Cruisers director Nigel Stevens refused to comment.