POLICE in south Durham are urging homeowners to be vigilant in the protection of their homes throughout the winter months.

Officers across Sedgefield, Wear Valley and Teesdale are encouraging people to tighten home security as properties are now empty during the hours of darkness.

Dubbed Operation Darc - short for Detect, Arrest, Reduce Crime - the initiative aims to cut the number of house break-ins and remind people to lock property securely.

Community Inspector Andy Neill, of Newton Aycliffe, said: "This is a very safe area to live in and we don't want to alarm people. Crime figures are at an all-time low and we want to keep them low.

"But because it gets dark before people get home from work, we want them to take some simple precautions to make their homes more secure and to deter burglars."

Crime prevention officer PC Neil Langthorne said an occupied property is generally a secure property, and residents must take steps to ensure that their home appears occupied.

He said: "The message is simple. Don't give the criminal the excuse to give your home a second look. Residents must take responsibility, and keep their homes locked and illuminated."

Sedgefield Borough Burglary Action Group advise residents to use timing switches to turn on lights or a radio around the house while they are out.

And after Christmas, gift packaging, such as computer boxes, which could alert potential thieves to items inside the house, should be hidden.

Burglars are also being targeted in the seasonal offensive as teams of uniformed and plain-clothed officers will patrol burglary hot spots targeting known offenders. Police community support officers and Neighbourhood Watch wardens will also play a part.

They are holding surgery sessions in schools and supermarkets at which they will offer crime prevention advice and distribute leaflets to vulnerable homes.

In Sedgefield, they have helped launch schemes in the west ward of Newton Aycliffe and Ferryhill and aim to raise the operation's profile in Shildon.

To join the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in Sedgefield, call Sarah Norman on (01325) 742755. Anyone with information about a burglary can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.