SECURITY measures are to be taken to protect hundreds of homes against burglars.

Erimus Housing, which took over ownership of almost 12,000 homes in Middlesbrough from the district council last November, is wiring up 500 "vulnerable" homes to a sophisticated burglar alarm scheme.

Middlesbrough Council, Cleveland Police and the Safer Middlesbrough Partnership are already supporting the £3/4m scheme, funded by Community Ventures Limited (CVL), with help from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and European Regional Development Fund.

Resident Walter Crossman, from Berwick Hills, Middlesbrough, said: "We have had the house and garage broken into before. We are not paranoid about it, but the alarm does give you a feeling of an extra bit of security."

Bob Brady, chairman of the board for Erimus Housing, said: "Tenants are our priority, and this is one way of helping them feel safe in their homes and protecting their property."

The scheme operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and uses a monitored response system, which means the property's tenant or relative is contacted by phone if the alarm is triggered. If concerns are raised, the police are called in.

All residents receive training in the use of the alarm unit and agencies like Cleveland Police can refer a home to the scheme, acting on burglary hotspots and crime statistics.

Chris Beety, from CVL, said: "CVL is hoping the scheme may be extended to all Erimus properties in the longer term.''

For information about obtaining a burglar alarm call (01642) 230314.