PEOPLE in Middlesbrough are being urged to sign up to an innovative messaging system to help make communities and homes safer.

The council is one of the first in the country to use the webbased multi-media technology, called Communi-K.

It is used by agencies across the town to send information about community safety initiatives, crime and disorder issues and anti-social behaviour.

Sarah Harris, neighbourhood safety officer for Safer Middlesbrough, said: "Crime and anti-social behaviour is reducing, but residents will still think it's a problem unless we give them the kind of information that reassures them and gives them a chance to help us."

More than 400 people have joined the free scheme, in which they receive updates by phone, fax, email or text, at a time convenient to them.

The aim is to recruit at least one resident in every street so that the scheme can be used to target members of the community by ward, age, employment status and ethnicity.

University of Teesside students also have the opportunity to sign up to Student Watch, a version of the scheme which focuses on the university area.

Middlesbrough councillor Barry Coppinger, executive member for community safety, said: "This is an ideal way for more people to get involved in community safety, by getting regular updates about what is going on and being aware of what's happening in their neighbourhood.

"It is all about empowering people. The more eyes and ears we have on the streets, the more effectively we can work to reduce crime and the fear of crime and increase community confidence."

Safer Middlesbrough is also backing a Cleveland Police campaign to cut down on the number of so-called two-for-one burglaries.

People are being advised to hide their car keys following a spate of burglaries where thieves stole the householder's car as well as items from their homes.

Operation Castle has been set up to combat house burglaries in the town.

Anyone who wants to take part in the messaging scheme can apply online at www.middles brough.gov.uk or on the official Communi-K website, www.safer communitiesmiddlesbrough.org