SPECIALIST new kit for police officers will help in the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour thanks to Erimus Housing residents.

Local police officers will receive new high powered torches and Euro Profile 'lock snappers' after residents agreed to spend some of their local area budgets on the equipment.

Each of the company's five area housing forums has a pot of money to spend on schemes voted for by residents that will make a difference in their communities.

Now people living in areas covering neighbourhoods such as Coulby Newham, Hemlington, Whinney Banks and Grove Hill will benefit from the latest agreement to fund the new equipment.

The Euro Profile lock snappers will go some way to preventing damage to Erimus Housing properties when police need to gain entry when executing a warrant. The cost of a new UPVC door can run into hundreds of pounds and the tool will limit the amount of damage to the doors.

Officers have also received new high powered torches, which can be easily accessed from a pouch attached to the belt instead of inside their uniform jacket.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Charlie Bell said: "We're delighted to receive this equipment which will certainly help our officers as they go about their duties."