SECURITY in three areas of Darlington has been improved under a scheme costing almost £200,000.

More than 600 homes have been enhanced as part of concerted efforts to crack down on crime over the winter months.

Darlington Borough Council announced yesterday that it had carried out the work on homes in the Branksome, Rise Carr and Longfield areas of the town.

Officials said the improvements were over and above routine improvement works, and saw a number of additional security features fitted to windows to provide tenants with greater peace of mind.

Secure new window handles and features to restrict the possibility of opportunist thieves forcing windows open from the outside have been installed in 470 homes.

In addition, the council's uniformed wardens have carried out more than 120 free security surveys for tenants in the Cockerton and Branksome areas of Darlington.

The wardens have provided advice on a variety of home safety features, including the benefits of door and window locks and alarms on sheds.

They have also been working with tenants to identify potential steps that could be taken to improve home security.

As a result of these discussions, the council has arranged for £30,000 worth of work to be done over the past 12 months.

Councillor Lee Vasey, the council's cabinet member for housing, welcomed the move.

She said: "It is important that people are secure in their own homes and that they feel safe and secure.

"This is a major investment in home security which will make homes safer and help to remove the fear of crime."

The Cockerton area has been targeted by opportunist thieves in recent months, with police issuing warnings about thefts of bicycles and items being stolen from garden sheds.

Earlier this month, they also urged elderly people to be on their guard against cold-callers offering home-help services.

The alert followed concerns raised by a number of elderly people who had received leaflets through their doors offering them help with shopping and personal care.