A campaign to reduce the numbers of road accidents and property thefts is to be launched in an initiative in Hartlepool next week.

Hartlepool Borough Council's road safety unit has joined forces with Cleveland Police to promote a Cycle Safe Cycle Secure event.

Log books will be issued to the owners of bikes, micro scooters and prams and pushchairs.

The log books, which will include safety advice for cyclists and scooter users, are intended to make it easier to recover stolen property.

A description of the item will be recorded in the logbook, with one section being retained by the owner and the other passed to the police, for their records.

The information will make it easier for police to confirm the ownership of the item, if it is ever stolen, after it is recovered.

The event will be held in St Oswald's Church Hall, from 10am to 1pm, next Tuesday.

Paul Watson, the council's road safety officer, said yesterday: "The event will help us to get the two very important messages of safety and security across to members of the public.

"Any initiative that reduces crime and road accidents is to be welcomed."

For further information on the campaign contact (01429) 523590.