HOUSEHOLDERS living in fear of crime are being urged to seek help by taking advantage of drop-in advice sessions.

Victim Support project worker Chris Paul attends Belle Vue Community Sports and Youth Centre every Thursday, from 11am to 1pm, as part of an initiative funded by Hartlepool's New Deal for Communities (NDC) regeneration programme.

She and her team of volunteers are able to offer information, advice and comfort, while also directing people to other agencies that may be able to help them.

Now the initiative is to be expanded to the NDC central area, with monthly advice sessions starting in the Osborne Road Centre on Tuesday, August 19, from 5pm to 7pm.

Ms Paul is also working closely with Colin Hopkins, formerly crime prevention officer for Hartlepool police, who now works in a similar role in the NDC area for Developing Initiatives for Support in the Community.

She can refer people to him for home security assessments that involve Mr Hopkins visiting residents and advising them on basic security measures.

Ms Paul said: "Victims of crime are already referred to me by police so it is people who fear they might be targeted that I want to hear from.

"There is no need for them to feel isolated and alone. Young and old alike can come to us and we will do our best to help."

For further information contact Ms Paul on (01429) 287122 or Mr Hopkins on (01429) 894046.