burglars are to be given a chance to turn their back on crime, thanks to an initiative in Hartlepool.

The Dordrecht Scheme, which was pioneered in Holland, is a partnership between the police, probation and health services, which aims to break the cycle of offending.

Police will monitor those taking part, while health and probation workers will help participants address drug, accommodation and employment problems, providing a link back into the community.

About 20 of Hartlepool's most active burglars are expected to be involved, either as part of a community rehabilitation order, or on release from prison on licence. If they are found not to be complying with the scheme, they face a return to court, or jail.

sergeant Lynn Beeston, community officer, said: "This is the first time we have worked in partnership with the probation service and I hope that by all working together we can have a real impact on crime.

"The community will benefit if the criminals succeed on the scheme and stop reoffending. If they don't, then they go to prison. Either way, the community are protected."

The project team, made up of police officer Tommy Smith, probation officer Julie Wilkinson, a drugs nurse and two outreach support workers, will be funded until 2004 through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and New Deal for Communities.

Under the scheme, the police and probation officers, drugs nurses and outreach team will work with hostels, job agencies and drug teams to tackle the problems that cause offending.

To help with its work, the team will have access to a residential detoxification bed and a weekly prescribing session with a GP.

Senior probation officer Janet Boulton said: "Every offender that is accepted on the scheme will need to prove to us that they really do want to turn their back on crime. It is not a soft option.

"The programme is very intense and, if they break the rules, they will find themselves back in court, or if out on licence, back in prison.