PERSONAL intruder alerts have been fitted to more than 50 homes to help protect against burglars.

The elderly residents living in the Stump Cross area of Guisborough, east Cleveland, have been issued with the alerts which remind householders to lock and secure their property.

The alarms are the latest development in the fight against crime and follow on from the simple blue stickers, fixed to front and back doors, reminding people about security.

Langbaurgh Crime Prevention Panel and Age Concern Teesside have seen the alarms installed in dozens of single-storey homes on the Guisborough estate.

A "handy person" scheme run by Age Concern has been used to fit the devices.

Panel member Shelagh Holyoake said: "We have issued thousands of blue sticker message reminders, all aimed at vulnerable people in the community.

"Talking intruder alerts are the next technological step."

On entering their homes, pensioners are told by a recorded voice: "Lock and shut your doors now."

Mrs Holyoake said: "It hammers home our message that intruders should be kept at bay.

"It is straight to the point, and will be invaluable in the battle against walk-in burglaries."