AN anti-crime campaign has been launched in Darlington to deter would-be burglars from targeting homes over the winter months.

People will see advertisements appear on buses in and around the town reminding them to leave house lights on when they go out.

The scheme is part of Operation DARC - Deter And Reduce Crime - to cut the number of break-ins and thefts from cars.

PC Steve Rich said: "A dark house is a big advert for opportunist thieves that it is empty.

"The nights are drawing in and identifying empty properties is getting much easier."

Next Thursday, police officers will hand out free low energy lightbulbs outside Ottakers in the Cornmill Shopping Centre between 4pm and 7pm.

They will also be selling external security lights to protect properties at £13.50, half the price they normally cost.

PC Rich also advised motorists to remove any valuables from their car seats or hide them from view in the boot. There have been 20 thefts from vehicles in the town in the last week.

PC Rich said: "There is generally an increase at this time of year in break-ins and thefts from motor vehicles.

"If people didn't leave things on display in their cars then we would reduce car crime by over 60 per cent.

"Thieves can't resist the temptation and when they see something on the seat they can't help themselves."

The latest message was being supported by Neighbourhood Watch liaison officer Jacqui Snowball, who urged people to keep an eye on properties that were obvious targets.

She said: "Why not take a moment to glance around your neighbourhood after dark? If you can tell that your neighbours are out, chances are a thief can too.

"Neighbours would surely rather receive a friendly reminder that their house is vulnerable than find out the hard way, by coming home after dark to discover a crime."