DESPITE a fall in the crime-rate, householders are being urged to continue to be on their guard against burglaries.

Although Hambleton has the second lowest crime rate in North Yorkshire, members of the local Community Safety Partnership said complacency should not set in, and that basic security measures should be in place in all homes.

Partnership chairwoman Rosemary Taylor said: "We want householders to take on board simple security measures which can make a huge difference to the risk of burglary.

"Although Hambleton has a very low crime rate -dwelling burglary has fallen by 48 per cent in the last six months -we cannot afford to be complacent.

"Simple steps like security lighting, door chains and drawing curtains can make all the difference."

She said people aged over 60 can get some of these devices fitted free through the partnership and the Vale and Dale Handyperson scheme.

To use the service, which is also available to vulnerable adults on low incomes, call Vale and Dale on (01969) 621900.

Crime in Hambleton has fallen by 13.8 per cent from April to last month. Burglary of dwellings is down by 48.8 per cent, with 206 offences from April to September last year compared to 105 for the same period this year.

All other burglary is down by 37.8 per cent, from 380 offences last year to 234 this year.