People in County Durham have been given a helping hand to protect their valuables.
Representatives from Durham County Council, Durham County Housing Association and Durham Constabulary visited residents in Bishop Auckland as part of an initiative to cut down on vandalism and theft.
Residents were offered the chance to have their property marked with Smart Water so that it can be easily identified if lost or stolen.
The work is part of a wider scheme which will see the installation of house alarms and new door and window shields on vacant properties in the Dene Valley area of Bishop Auckland.
Jointly funded by the council and the housing association along with Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP, Accent Housing and Wear Valley Landlords Association working together as the Safe Durham Partnership, the project also aims to improve the appearance of the community.
Cllr Rob Yorke, Chair of Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP, said: “The new door and window shields are made of polycarbonate so they’re less intrusive than traditional metal shutters or wooden boards.
“This will greatly improve the general appearance of the area as well as reducing the risk of criminal damage and burglary.”
The alarms will be used by housing associations and members of the Wear Valley Landlords Association to provide additional security while properties are waiting to be re-let.
● Pictured is: Ian Martin, Durham Police; Julie Nicholson, Durham County Council; Sarah Dowson, Dale & Valley Homes; Cllr Dorothy Burns; Marjory Richardson, Durham County Housing Association; Dave Williamson, Durham Police; Jim Taylor, Shutter Up Systems; Martin Peace, Durham Police; Sheilah Metcalfe, Durham County Council.