HOUSE burglars in County Durham are to be targeted by dedicated specialist police officers in the New Year.

The county's force will introduce six burglary support officers, each responsible for a particular area, in February.

The officers, chosen from uniform and CID, will be trained in crime scene management, forensic awareness and crime prevention. Senior officers hope they will build up intelligence about the burglars working their areas.

Head of CID, Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Scott, said: "Local knowledge is absolutely crucial and with a small number of officers going to every burglary scene within their area, they will recognise any patterns and similarities that will ultimately help track down those responsible.''

Currently, every house break-in receives a personal visit, but the first officers are not always able to devote the time each crime might deserve because of other pressure of work and shift patterns.

Det Chief Supt Scott said: "Under this new scheme, once it has been established a crime has been committed, the burglary support officers will take over.

"They will carry out a thorough investigation, follow up leads, take statements, identify lines of inquiry that will recover stolen property, and give the victims regular updates.

"They will also offer crime prevention advice to make sure those whose homes have been violated do not become repeat victims.

"The 1,356 burglaries committed in the Durham Constabulary area in the first six month of this year represent an all-time low.

"By improving the quality of investigations and arresting more suspects, we believe it will lead to further reductions.

"At the same time, our service to victims will increase significantly.''

He added that the new-style officers, working with crime scene investigators, would provide continuity of investigation in an area of what is largely a specialised crime.