PROLIFIC offenders in Hartlepool are to be targeted by a new scheme, based on a Dutch initiative.

The Dordrecht scheme aims to reduce crime by helping to rehabilitate repeat offenders.

Under the scheme, a police officer, probation officer, drugs nurse and Outreach team work with hostels, job agencies and drug teams to tackle the problems that cause offend- ing.

Funding will enable the team to have access to a residential detoxification bed, a weekly prescribing session with a GP, drug testing and treatment.

Offenders who have known to commit a number of burglaries in Hartlepool will be targeted by the team, which will try to get them involved in the scheme.

Those who agree to take part could have compliance to the scheme written into a probation order or post-custody licence.

In November last year, the Hartlepool Community Safety Partnership submitted an application to the Home Office for funding for the scheme, which would cost £227,000-a-year to run.

Although funding was not approved at the time, it is expected to be forthcoming later in the year.

However, funding from the New Deal for Communities and Neighbourhood Renewal Fund is to be made available to allow the project start immediately and continue for a second year.

The Safe-in-Tees Valley Community Safety Partnership has also applied for money for a scheme to help repeat victims of burglary.

A spokesman for the council said: "There is much evidence nationally that the majority of crime is committed by a minority of offenders.

"The Prolific Offenders Scheme brings together the police and probation service to intensively supervise offenders who agree to participate.

"It also provides the offenders with quicker access to drug treatment and support through an after-care scheme."

The scheme to help victims would include fitting new security devices on the homes of those who are targeted by burglars.

The spokesman said: "The Neighbourhood Renewal Fund gives Hartlepool an opportunity to start both the Prolific Offenders Scheme and the target hardening for repeat victim scheme in the current financial year.

"Funding may become available later in the year from the Home Office to support the scheme," said the spokesman.

If Home Office funding does become available, it will be substituted for the money used from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund