A REDUCTION in burglaries have been recorded just two weeks after a campaign was launched to make people more security-conscious.

Darlington Police's Operation Velvet is aimed at reducing home and garage break-ins, especially during the longer winter nights.

Information leaflets are being distributed around the town giving simple advice to people about protecting their homes and property.

In more than 60 per cent of house burglaries in Darlington, the burglars got in because a door or a ground floor window was left unlocked.

Detective Inspector Ian Phillips said: "As Christmas gets nearer, people have more property in their homes and that, coupled with the darker nights, means there is always an increase in burglaries.

"We deal with this every year, but people still think it won't happen to them and they don't take basic precautions.

"There is nothing worse for a family than having all their presents stolen so close to Christmas.

"To beat the burglars, we are handing out these leaflets. We would ask people to read them and to talk to elderly relatives or neighbours about their security.

"If anyone sees anything suspicious in their area we would also ask them to get in touch."

Uniformed wardens are working with the police to distribute the leaflets in any areas where there have been a spate of break-ins.

Det Insp Phillips said: "We have already handed some out in the Abbey Road area and we have seen a small reduction in reported burglaries there. We have made a number of arrests and those who have been charged have been remanded in custody, which shows the courts are backing us."

Copies of the leaflet can be obtained from Darlington Town Hall and North Road and Cockerton police stations.