TOWN centre crime in Accrington has almost halved in the first three months of this year.

And police and council bosses believe they are winning their fight against the criminals.

Latest figures show the overall crime rate in the town has fallen by a massive 40 per cent in the first quarter of 1996. Civic leaders also point to the increased number of arrests for public order crimes as proof they are winning the war.

A series of measures were introduced last year because the public felt Accrington was becoming a criminal blackspot. Town hall bosses and local businesses feared vandalism, theft and fighting were forcing business away.

A partnership between Hyndburn Council, the police and town helped draw up a package of crime-busting measures. The partnership claims closed-circuit television, community safety wardens, security awareness campaigns and better street lighting are helping to solve the problems. Despite an increase in the number of public order incidents and arrests, the picture remains positive.

Police argue they are capturing more fights and violence on camera and can react to incidents faster than ever before. More than 150 arrests in the last three months can be directly credited to the sophisticated CCTV system.

George Slynn, leader of the council, said: "The people of the borough want and deserve a safe public environment. These schemes are improving the quality of life for all who live, work, shop and visit Accrington town centre."

Mike Chambers, chief executive, added: "The council intends to expand outwards to all the towns in the borough but further resources, particularly in policing will be essential."

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