AN anti-burglary drive has been launched in Hartlepool in an effort to reduce the fear of crime among householders.

The Hartlepool Community Safety Partnership, whose members include Hartlepool Borough Council, the police and local businesses, is funding a two-pronged initiative aimed at preventing break-ins.

Eleven residents' associations have been provided with a range of security measures for their members. Brochures offering advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of burglary are also available.

Mike Gibson, community safety project officer, said: "We have been working closely with residents' associations because we feel it is important to listen to people and act on their experiences and fears.

"Fear of crime can often be worse than crime itself so we hope that the equipment made available to these residents' associations will have a direct influence on the quality of their members' lives, making them feel safer and more secure in their own homes."

For further information contact (01429) 405577.