POLICE in West Craven say they are stepping up patrols to crack down on crime and disorder.

After a rise in criminal damage in Barnoldswick and Earby, the team, boosted by three new officers, will be targeting people they believe are causing criminal damage over the next few weeks.

Police sniffer dogs will also be used to deter drug taking in pubs and clubs and officers in plain clothes will be out on patrol.

West Craven area sergeant Andy Cartwright said: "We will be doing high-visibility policing around areas where vandalism and damage to vehicles has been taking place.

"We have also been doing police dog sweeps in the pubs - we're supporting licensees by ensuring no underage drinkers or people banned under the Pubwatch scheme are there.

"We're also providing a visible reassurance that the police won't tolerate violence or criminal damage."

Sgt Cartwright added: "It's just a warning to people who we think may pose a threat to people and their property."

The drive began last weekend and Sgt Cartwright reported that incidents had fallen as a result.

As part of it, a 17-year-old youth who was found in possession of Class A drugs in Barnoldswick was arrested and received a formal warning.

Meanwhile, in Earby, two males who were allegedly in possession of Class A drugs in a vehicle were arrested in the early hours of Saturday.

They were also questioned over public order offences and the suspected theft of a motor vehicle and are currently on police bail pending further inquiries.