A SCHEME to reduce burglaries has seen a big fall in the number of raiders re- offending.

The Dortrecht Scheme, which was pioneered in Holland, aims to break the cycle of re-offending through a partnership between the police, probation and health service in Hartlepool.

Since the project got under way six months ago, 14 serial burglars have not re-offended.

Some residents were worried the initiative would be soft of criminals while ignoring the needs of victims.

At a police forum with the public, scheme organisers came under fire for putting too many resources into helping persistent offenders.

However, police point to the town of Dortrecht where it helped to cut burglaries by 30 per cent in just six years.

Community officer Sergeant Lynn Beeston said: "It is early days yet, but the results so far are much better than we anticipated.

"When you think we are talking about the most prolific offenders, the signs are certainly encouraging.

"The public can be reassured to know that we know who these people are and are trying to work with them to address their behaviour."

Police are monitoring those offenders taking part, while health and probation workers will help participants tackle drug, accommodation and employment problems, providing a link back into the community.

Under the scheme, offenders must also tackle their own heroin problems, which are usually the root cause of their persistent urge to burgle.

Sgt Beeston said: "This has got to be the way forward. We are just fighting a vicious circle at the moment.

"Of course, we can lock the burglars up but that does not necessarily solve the problem overnight.

"We need to tackle the root causes, not just put a sticking plaster over the problem."

Those selected for the scheme are interviewed before being signed up to see if they are suitable and it relies on them wanting to help themselves.

The Dortrecht scheme is expected to be discussed at the police and community forum, in Hartlepool Civic Centre, today at 2pm.