CRIME in Hyndburn has dropped for the third year in a row.

Hyndburn’s Community Safety Partnership this week announced that in 2008 there had been 628 fewer victims of crime throughout the borough than in the previous year.

Offences of criminal damage were down by 12.7 per cent or 257 victims.

Assault cases dropped by 129 crimes, while offences of burglary, vehicle crime and robbery were reduced by a massive 21.4 per cent, a total of 242 fewer crimes.

Partnership chairman Councillor Brian Roberts said: "These reductions have only been achieved by hard work on behalf of the people of Hyndburn.

"We have seen some innovative schemes over the last 12 months and the partners have continued to support the work of the police.

"While these results are fantastic we must not rest as we know that the challenges we have faced over the last year will continue into next."

Chief Inspector Damian Darcy said: "It is extremely reassuring to see a fall in levels of crime.

"There have been some fantastic initiatives in the borough over the past 12 months such as floodlit PACT meetings and the mobile metal detector which has been used to screen people at town centre pubs and clubs."

l The streets of Hyndburn could soon become even safer if police powers to control street drinking are extended.

Plans to introduce a designated public place order across the whole borough are being disccused by the partnership.

Police stress that the order would not be a street drinking ban but would give officers powers to confiscate alcohol from anyone misbehaving in a public place.

Anyone who did not comply could be handed a fixed penalty notice or face arrest.

Inspector Dave Mangan said: "We know many neighbourhoods across the borough are affected by alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour, which is why we are looking to extend our powers.

"This is not intended to prevent people having a relaxing drink outside pubs or restaurants or having a quiet picnic. It is merely an additional power to help police deal with troublemakers more effectively."

Letters and questionnaires seeking feedback about the proposal have been sent out to residents and a final decision will be made after a period of public consultation.