POLICE have mounted an initiative to tackle burglars in a community as the dark nights draw in.

Residents in known hotspots in the Chester-le-Street district will be leafleted and patrols stepped up as part of a seasonal drive.

Community Inspector Paul Anderson said: "At this time of year, with the dark nights drawing in, we find there is an increase in burglaries.

"These tend to happen particularly between 5pm to 8pm.

"Generally it is in residential areas at a time when people are returning home from work and they have not got their lights on.

"Opportunist burglars can take one look up a street and see who is not home."

He said people were urged to take measures such as leaving a light on in the house, preferably using a timer switch that is set to go on when it starts getting dark.

He said: "We will be leafleting the usual hotspots and youth liaison officers will also be making children aware so they can pass the message on to their parents.

"We will be increasing patrols in vulnerable areas as well.

"The aim is to make life as difficult as possible for criminals by taking preventative measures.""

In a further seasonal initiative, police will also target alcohol-related disorder, not only at town centre pubs, but also in areas where youths are known to gather and misbehave.

Police will also test underage purchases at licensed premises to ensure compliance with the law.