CRIME prevention schemes in rural North Yorkshire are receiving just over half a million pounds of government funding.

The £548,980 of Safer Streets funding awarded aims to prevent crime, put off criminals and protect homeowners from becoming burglary victims.

It will also help officers build the evidence needed to strengthen the case for future investment in targeted crime prevention.

Julia Mulligan, the county’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, bid for the Home Office money.

She said: “Burglary is a crime that all too often does not get the attention it deserves.

"The impact on individuals, families and communities is significant, which is why this investment in finding new approaches that make people safer and feel safer is so important."

Ms Mulligan said the money will help implement measures that make a real difference to communities.