A SERIES of crime prevention roadshows are to take place later this month.

The events in Chester-le-Street will include advice on how to keep your home safe and tips on dealing with cold callers, free dog microchipping and cycle security marking sessions and fire prevention advice.

Residents can also bring along Christmas lights, electric blankets and other electrical items for safety testing.

The roadshows have been organised by the Chester-le-Street Area Action Partnership working with Durham Constabulary, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and council officials including trading standards.

Cllr Alison Batey, chair of the AAP’s Crime and Community Safety Task Group, said: “More than 1,000 local people attended the forum last year and told us that fear of crime was a concern.

“We listened and set up a task group to address this issue. These roadshows are a result of that work and we hope people will come to their local community venues and talk to the services that are there.

“People coming to the roadshows can also pass on broader community issues for the AAP to address as future priorities.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Karen Naunton, Durham Constabulary said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with the AAP and all the other agencies to put together a really comprehensive programme which is a first for this area and we hope people will take advantage of the advice, information and free security devices that are on offer.”

The roadshows get underway at Pelton Community Centre on Tuesday, October 21 from 3pm to 6pm.

They then move on to Ouston Community Centre on Friday, October 24 from 4pm to 7pm; the Cornerstones Centre, in Chester-le-Street, on Saturday, October 25 from 10am to 1pm and the Fulforth Centre, in Sacriston on Wednesday, October 29 from 4pm to 7pm.

The series ends at Great Lumley Community Centre on Thursday, October 30 from 4pm to 7pm.