Crime figures in West Craven were down by almost a quarter last year and are continuing to fall.

New and more thorough police procedures for logging crimes have seen the figures rise in many areas, but active targeting of known criminals has helped West Craven to record a drop.

In the year from April 1 2002 to March 31 2003, the area saw a massive 23 per cent reduction in all crime. So far this year, that same figure has fallen by about a further 20 per cent.

New methods of policing, especially the introduction of "community beat managers" directly responsible for their own beat, is cited as one cause of the huge reduction.

Another is the active targeting by officers of known offenders in their areas, often leading to prison sentences for the culprits.

Sgt Chris Saville, at Barnoldswick Police Station, said: "I've said previously that the majority of crime in West Craven is committed by a handful of prolific offenders. By successfully targeting these individuals and their criminal activities, several of them are now serving custodial sentences and we are reaping the rewards in terms of reduced levels of crime.

"I also want to thank the people of West Craven for their continued support in our fight against crime. I would urge anyone who sees a crime committed, has knowledge of criminal activity or has their suspicions aroused, to contact the police without hesitation.

"These figures show that, by working with local people, we can and will get results."

The community beat managers for West Craven are: Earby Ward (including Kelbrook, Salterforth and Sough) - PC Bryan Pepper; Barnoldswick Craven Ward (including the town centre) - PC Mark Hyde and PC Fiona Barlow; Barnoldswick Coates Ward - PC Brendan Wood.

You can contact them by phoning 01282 472828.