A SURVEY is being launched to see if repeated police crime prevention messages are getting through to the public.

In one of the biggest operations ever commissioned, canvassers will doorstep people across Teesside and County Durham, asking them if crime fighting advice has had an impact on their lifestyles.

The research has been commissioned by watchdog group Safe in Tees Valley.

Working with Cleveland Police and Durham Constabulary, the initiative aims to understand how best the crime prevention message can be communicated.

John Bentley, programme director of Safe in Tees Valley, said: "The public can play a major part in the prevention of crime, but to make the most of this opportunity they must be well informed and aware of the best ways of reducing the risk.

"The police, local authority and many other agencies are actively involved in campaigns to reduce crime and help people to feel safer.''

Over the years there had been many campaigns.

Mr Bentley said: "Some campaigns have been more effective in changing behaviour than others, so who better to guide us in our quest to find the most appropriate campaign method than those people we are trying to assist?"

Information collated by Research Solutions will be treated in confidence with findings and results reported anonymously.

Interviewers will be working across the Cleveland Police and Darlington areas, calling randomly at addresses to ensure a good mix of views.

The interviews start this week and will run until July. All interviewees carry badges, which are clearly displayed at all times.