RESIDENTS are being offered the chance to win prizes as an incentive to attend crime prevention and safety roadshows.

Staff from the Sunderland Housing Group, Northumbria Police, Age Concern, Victim Support, Sunderland City Council, and the Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade will visit six locations to offer advice and information on community and personal safety and the steps that people can take to avoid accidents or crime.

Jo Walker, special initiatives officer for the Sunderland Housing Group's Houghton and Hetton Housing Company, said: "We know community safety is very important to all residents who live in our communities, so we are delighted to be able to host these events.

"The events are quite informal, organised on a drop-in basis and I would encourage anyone who can attend to come along.

"We will also be holding a free prize draw for anyone willing to answer a few questions regarding their feelings about safety in their community. There are some fabulous prizes to win."

The roadshows will take place between 7pm and 10pm at Houghton Area Housing Office, Houghton-le-Spring, next Monday; Easington Lane Community Access Point, Brickgarth, Easington Lane, Thursday, October 6; Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Shiney Row, Monday, October 10; The Hetton Centre, Hetton-le-Hole, Thursday, October 13; Penshaw Community Association Building, Wensleydale Avenue, Penshaw, Monday, October 17; and Churchill Square Community Room, Fence Houses, Thursday, October 20.