AN anti-crime campaign has been launched in Darlington to deter would-be burglars from targeting empty houses over the winter months.

People will start seeing adverts on buses in the town reminding them to leave the lights on when they go out.

It is part of Operation DARC - short for Deter And Reduce Crime - which aims to reduce break-ins and thefts from cars.

PC Steve Rich said: "A dark house is a big advert for opportunist thieves that it is empty. The nights are drawing in and identifying empty properties is getting easier."

Next Thursday, police officers will hand out free low-energy lightbulbs outside Ottakers in the Cornmill Shopping Centre between 4pm and 7pm.

They will also be selling external security lights to protect properties at £13.50, half the price they normally cost.

PC Rich also advised motorists to remove valuables from car seats or hide them in the boot. There have been 20 thefts from vehicles in the town in the past week.

He said: "If people didn't leave things on display in their cars, then we would reduce car crime by over 60 per cent."

The message was backed by Neighbourhood Watch liaison officer Jacqui Snowball, who urged people to keep an eye on properties that were obvious targets.

She said: "Why not take a moment to glance around your neighbourhood after dark? If you can tell that your neighbours are definitely out, chances are a thief can too.

"Neighbours would surely rather receive a friendly reminder that their house is vulnerable than find out the hard way by coming home after dark to discover a crime."