POLICE are offering free house survey visits in a bid to beat burglars.

"Dwelling house burglaries have fallen from more than 5,000 offences in 1996 to 1,030 last year," said Langbaurgh crime prevention officer, PC Jim Brown.

"We want to keep that momentum going and see the figures reduced even further."

He will be carrying out free crime prevention surveys of homes - by invitation - next week. Cleveland Police claim the offer of visits is a unique initiative.

Acting Detective Superintendent Ian Garrett, Langbaurgh's crime manager, said: "Involving the community safety partnership allows police to conduct this unique service without taking officers from front line duties.

"I'm keen that this project is successful and would hope that residents in the area take up the opportunity to have their home surveyed."

Councillor Dave McLuckie, lead councillor for community safety with Redcar and Cleveland Council, said: "This is an excellent opportunity for people to get expert advice on how to protect their property against would-be burglars."

Appointments for a survey can be booked through Crown Security, in Guisborough, a member of the Task Group and Langbaurgh Crime Prevention Panel, on (01287) 6333 010.