POLICE in County Durham have launched the force's biggest ever campaign against burglars.

Operation Darc has been introduced to coincide with the seasonal rise in break-ins that accompanies dark winter evenings.

Durham Police's annual initiative involves bringing together all the force's resources in a concerted effort to arrest offenders, provide crime prevention advice and try to reduce crime levels.

The County Durham force's Community Safety Sergeant, Brad Howe, said: "While dark nights initiatives have taken place in police divisions around the force in the past, this is the first time we have adopted a force-wide, concerted, co-ordinated approach."

Teams of police officers in uniform and in plain-clothes will use local intelligence information to focus on known burglary hot-spots.

Their task will be to target known-offenders and ensure crime-prevention advice is given to people in the communities.

Police community support officers and Neighbourhood Watch wardens will also play an important part in the initiative.

Sgt Howe said: "County Durham and Darlington have the lowest number of burglaries per head of population in the North-East.

"But we know that as the nights draw in, traditionally there is a rise in the number of house break-ins.

"Our aim is to prevent householders across our communities becoming victims of this type of crime."

Last year, Operation Darc led to a drastic drop in break-ins.

In the 12 months between April last year and March this year, 3,083 house burglaries were recorded - 23 per cent less than the previous year.

In Easington, house burglaries fell by nearly a third.

This year police are issuing simple advice on how people can protect their homes.

Leaflets giving crime prevention advice are being distributed to houses, and primary schools are also being involved in an initiative to raise awareness among youngsters.

"Properties left in darkness attract burglars and householders should ensure they have lights on even when they aren't in," said Sgt Howe.

"Light timers and dusk-'til- dawn lights help, and it is wise to use locks on windows and mortise locks on doors."

Later this month, cut-price timers and energy-efficient light bulbs supplied by Npower will be available from crime prevention offices in the county.