A SERIES of public meetings are being held throughout Cleveland to give people the chance to shape the future of policing in the area.

The forums will be hosted by Chief Constable Sean Price, Police Authority chairman Ted Cox and local district commanders.

The public will be able to put forward ideas and views to influence the policy and strategy of the police force and authority.

The two-hour meetings start at 6.30pm, with the first being held at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Monday.

Crime prevention officer Gerry McBride will give a short presentation and offer advice about home security during the winter months.

He said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to get the message home that lighting up houses, both inside and out, is a real deterrent to the criminal."

Meetings also take place at Redcar and Cleveland College, Corporation Road, Redcar, on September 20; Stockton branch library, in Church Street, on September 21; and on September 29 at Hartlepool Council Chambers.

Anyone who cannot attend the meetings, but still wants their views to be taken into account, can write to the consultation officer at Cleveland Police Headquarters, Free-post NEA 3893, Middlesbrough TS8 9EH, or go to Have Your Say on www.cleveland.police.uk