ABOUT 6,000 homes in Sedgefield borough have received security advice in the four weeks since the Sedgefield Burglary Action Group launched Operation Lancelot.

The police awareness leaflets have been posted through the homes as part of a major anti-burglary initiative, and have been followed up by 460 Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators raising awareness of the schemes.

Detectives have been focusing their resources on detecting house burglary and the enforcement side of the operation has already resulted in the arrest of three active burglars responsible for more than 20 house burglaries.

Det Chief Insp Colin Pearson, who is leading the operation, said: "There are a number of intelligence-led operations planned and those who commit dwelling burglary should be looking over their shoulders."

To date the scheme is celebrating a 24 per cent reduction in house burglary when compared with the same period last year.

The Three Rivers Housing Group is working in partnership with Durham Police and Sedgefield Borough Council to reduce the number of house burglaries during the dark nights.

Its regeneration officer Vicky McCourt said: "We take our responsibilities seriously when it comes to letting homes to people who will behave reasonably and not cause neighbour nuisance to other residents.

"Three Rivers wholeheartedly support Durham Constabulary's Operation Lancelot and will continue to work closely with SBC and the police to ensure residents feel safe and secure in their homes."

Sedgefield Borough Council is also playing an active role in the work of the Burglary Action Group.

Speaking of the group, Jayne Chaytor, the borough's crime and disorder co-ordinator said: "This group has been very successful in developing a multi-agency approach to achieving its aims.

"It has been recognised that the reduction of crime is not just the responsibility of the police force, other agencies have an important part to play."