FIVE people were arrested in dawn raids on a troubled area of Darwen yesterday - and one man even gave himself up rather than face being tracked down, police have revealed.

Action to change face of the Darwen community is being stepped up as a major crackdown on crime, launched yesterday, gets into full swing.

Dawn raids as part of Operation Edward resulted in five arrests for offences ranging from robbery to drug-related crimes.

A haul of stolen items and drugs equipment was also recovered in the Sudell area. The blitz is part of the Action for Sudell initiative which aims to rid the community of crime and other social problems.

Inspector Stuart Coates said: "The operation is going to plan. It has had such an impact that one man gave himself up to avoid being tracked down by us.

"We want people to realise they do not have to put up with neighbours who are breaking the law or their tenancy agreement with the council." One of the crime prevention initiatives taking place involves 1,000 residents being given help to beat the burglars by testing out a new high tech postcode branding machine.

The Brand It machine was funded by Lancashire Partnership Against Crime and the Safer Estates Project of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

For further information about the initiative ring 01254 353540 or 353541.

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