DETECTIVES are stepping up the war on burglars by analysing research to help predict where future break-ins will occur.

In a first for the North-East, officers in Cleveland will today launch Operation Crystal in a bid to halt burglars who have been targeting homes in a small area of Stockton.

Crime prevention officers, wardens and detectives will be out in force during the next 28 days in the Mount Pleasant area of the town, looking for vulnerable properties and residents, giving out advice and encouraging residents to set up Neighbourhood Watch groups.

The move follows research carried out by the Jill Dando Institute, in London, which has shown that where a cluster of burglaries has occurred, homes within a 200-metre radius are significantly more at risk of falling victim within a month.

As a result, analysts at Stockton police looked at the town's burglary figures and found that residents in the Mount Pleasant area were the most vulnerable at present.

If the operation proves successful, it may be rolled out across the Cleveland force.

It is believed Brighton police, in East Sussex, is the only other force to use the research in a similar way.

Detective Chief Inspector Darren Best said that, during the past three years, the number of house burglaries in Stockton had fallen dramatically from an average of 300 homes a month to about 66.

But he said officers were determined to cut it further.

He said: "We are not out to frighten people or increase the fear of crime, but the reality is opportunity thieves and burglars are about.

"Criminals are creatures of habit. They go for the easy option and take advantage of properties where security is lax.

"By utilising the predictive work of our analysts, we can estimate where they are likely to strike.

"We intend to make people aware where homes near them have been targeted and they could be next - but they can very easily keep the burglar at bay."

The specific area to be targeted will be between the boundaries of Danby Road and Malling Road on the Mount Pleasant estate.

Detective Sergeant Steve Jermy, of Stockton police, said: "If this operation is successful, it is something we will continue to do.

"Dwelling burglaries in Stockton are at their lowest since records began, but just one burglary is one too many.