Police appear to be winning the battle against crime in Silsden.

Keighley police Inspector Bob Robinson told the parish council that although figures may appear to have increased, this was because of the government's new rules of counting 'one crime - one victim'.

He said Silsden had been targeted by the police pro-active team and the drugs squad in recent months, which had gone a long way towards reducing crime in the town.

He told the meeting that, under new government legislation, alcohol had been confiscated and groups of young people had been dispersed. The details of 19 youths had been taken and their parents advised of what was happening.

"I believe through an increased police presence that crime is being controlled in Silsden," he said. "These exercises will continue and the youths are well aware of this."

Insp Robinson confirmed that the town wouldl keep its two community constables and they would be supported in future by a Community Action Team (CAT). The CAT is a team of police officers which will provide additional police cover in potential trouble spots across the district.

Parish councillors say they are pleased to see an increased uniform presence in the town.

Cllr Liz Clarke says: "It's great to see and it appears to be working."

Parish chairman Paul Bromley says many elderly people had commented. "It's very reassuring for these people that we have a uniformed presence on the street," he says.

Insp Robinson issued a warning to residents who may find discarded syringes in the town. "The pointed end should not be touched at all," he said.

"Syringes should be handled with extreme care. They should be placed in a container of some kind and taken to a chemist or any doctor's surgery and they will dispose of them." He said police patrol cars now carried special containers and officers would be happy to dispose of the syringes.

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