COPS are cracking down on car crime and burglary in Lancaster and Morecambe.

A major new initiative has been launched this week targeting crime hotspots' looking for thieves and burglars.

And police are also asking local people to help by reporting all crime, no matter how minor.

Using the name Operation Landcruiser,' bobbies plan to use specialist units from across the region to target crime.

They will team up with local neighbourhood watch co-ordinators, street wardens and community support officers to ensure an effective presence at street level.

Det Insp Martyn Leveridge, who is in overall command of the operation, says: "Auto crime and burglary rates in Lancaster and Morecambe have fallen in recent years but there is always a rise in such crimes around Christmas and the New Year, and this year is no exception.

!The purpose of Landcruiser is to tackle this increase and ensure that the downward trend continues."

During the operation, information about criminal activity will be reviewed on a weekly basis in order to respond as quickly as possible to public concern.

Det Insp Leveridge adds: "To do this we would ask the public to be vigilant, to follow basic crime prevention procedures and to provide us with as much information as they can.

"Please report any criminal act against your vehicle or hoe, even if you think it is very

January 14, 2003 11:30