POLICE arrested and charged 15 people for offences including burglary and pedal cycle theft in an operation targeted at known criminals in Accrington.

They said that more than £2,000-worth of stolen property had been recovered and returned to its owners during Operation Tower, which took place last month..

Police at Accrington also revealed that crime had been slashed by nearly 30 per cent in January this year compared to figures for the same period last year.

Inspector Dave Whittle, of Accrington Police, said: "As a result of the operation, 15 people were arrested and charged with offences ranging from theft of pedal cycles to burglary and handling. Over £2,000-worth of of property was recovered, which included three mountain bikes.

"The property has been returned to the owners.

"A small team of dedicated officers worked in uniform and plain clothes.

"If the need arises we will certainly run this sort of operation again.

"This is another example of using intelligence-led targeted policing to reduce crime and thereby make the people of Lancashire feel safe and reassured."

The operation ran from January 4 to January 30.

Crime had been reduced by 32.5 per cent in Accrington north, which includes Huncoat, Church and the town centre, and by 27.2 per cent in Accrington south which includes Oswaldtwistle and Baxenden.

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