EXTRA security measures installed in homes across Stockton have helped save residents from becoming repeat victims of burglary.

Eighty per cent of people questioned in a survey carried out by Durham University's Queen's Campus, in Stockton, told researchers that they now felt safer in their homes.

The survey team moved in after Stockton Borough Council and the Safer Stockton Partnership installed outdoor lights, window locks, burglar alarms and intercom systems at victims' addresses.

The majority of burglary victims were the elderly and retired.

Of those, 59 per cent had been burgled in the previous two years.

Forty-eight per cent of those questioned knew of neighbours who had been burgled in the same period.

The study revealed that, before the council's efforts, 66 per cent of the people canvassed had been worried about being burgled.

Following the installation of the security measures, almost 80 per cent said they felt safer in their homes.

Ninety-two per cent had not been burgled since the security devices were installed between 2003 and this year.

An 89-year-old victim of a bogus official said: "I think this scheme is a really good idea and it has been very helpful for me.

"Now that I have my door viewer, I can see who is there and not let them in if I don't know them.

"I used to have terrible nightmares about the burglars but, now that my house is safer, I sleep soundly."

Marilyn Davies, community safety manager with Stockton council, said: "Living in fear impacts on the health and wellbeing of people, and this study has shown that providing additional security measures to the homes of people who are vulnerable to burglaries provides reassurance and therefore reduces fear of crime.''