MONEY is being made available to help people beat crime.

Grants of up to £500 are available to voluntary or community groups in Hartlepool's Headland to support small community safety and crime prevention schemes.

To be considered for funding, the schemes must be aimed at cutting crime or fear of crime among residents by improving the security of buildings, raising awareness of security or community safety issues, promoting anti-crime messages or encouraging good citizenship.

The grants are particularly aimed at projects involving more vulnerable people, including the elderly, the disabled, young people, single parents or victims of crime.

Burglary victims do not need to apply. They will automatically receive support following a visit by a police crime prevention officer.

The money is available from the Tackling Crime Together project, which is funded by the North Hartlepool Single Regeneration Budget Partnership.

Chris Humpleby, community safety officer, said: "Community or voluntary groups often have ideas for schemes to help reduce crime or the fear of crime, but find it difficult to raise enough money to put those ideas into practice."

Application forms are available from West View Post Office on (01429) 232509, or the community safety office at 8 Church Street on (01429) 405577. The deadline for applications is August 27.