RESIDENTS wanting to keep one step ahead of burglars will soon be able to shed some light on their criminal activities.

With the winter months rapidly approaching, crime prevention officers are taking over a town centre shop to give away items aimed at deterring thieves.

The first 150 Middlesbrough residents to visit the temporary store, in The Mall, will receive a free lights timer switch to help keep burglars at bay.

Experts will also be on hand to encourage more people to fit outside security lights and light up the inside of their homes by using the timers and low-energy light bulbs.

Organised by Middlesbrough Council to highlight the problem of burglaries and doorstep crime, the store will allow shoppers to access a wide range of crime prevention, home safety and security advice and information.

Darker nights always bring a rise in burglaries as opportunist thieves take advantage of the cover of darkness.

Cleveland Police's crime prevention officer Phil Taylor said: "Our message is simple - look in when you're out. There is no doubt security lighting deters burglars who move on looking for easier pickings.

"If more people simply switch on to security and light up their homes it will have a dramatic effect - particularly on the tea-time break-ins."

The police have joined forces with B and F Edmundsons electrical supplies wholesalers for the initiative.

Mr Taylor said: "We want people to take action to prevent their homes being targeted. It doesn't cost a fortune. By simply plugging in a timer could mean the difference between being burgled or not."

Members of the Retired Senior Volunteer Programme, who are trained to give advice on preventing doorstep crime to elderly or vulnerable householders, will also attend.

The shop, opposite Littlewoods, will be open between 10am and 3pm, tomorrow and Saturday.

Middlesbrough residents will need proof of identity and address when they call at the shop to claim their free timer.