BURGLARY victims and vulnerable elderly people are to get free security advice and equipment under a new scheme designed to help them feel safer in their own homes.

BURGLARY victims and vulnerable elderly people are to get free security advice and equipment under a new scheme designed to help them feel safer in their own homes.

The service – Safe and Secure at Home – was launched yesterday by St Edmundsbury Borough Council and Suffolk Police as part of the Healthy Homes Partnership Project.

People who are eligible can get a range of security equipment to suit their needs free of charge under the scheme.

Locks for most types of doors, windows and sheds, door chains, spy holes and security lighting are among the devices available under the scheme.

And the managers behind the initiative will also arrange for the equipment to be fitted by an accredited security professional.

The service is free to anyone living in St Edmundsbury who has been a recent victim of house burglary and is receiving housing benefit and to householders who are aged over 60, whether they own their homes or are private or housing association tenants.

Ray Nowak, St Edmundsbury Cabinet Member for Community, said: "This is an important part of St Edmundsbury's Prosperous and Safe Community strategy.

"It brings practical help to those who are vulnerable and also helps overall to reduce the fear of crime."

Police officers and crime reduction and council staff will be able to refer people who would benefit from the scheme and help them complete a Healthy Homes proposal form.

Chief Superintendent Mick Green, area commander for west Suffolk, said house burglary was a top priority for Suffolk police: "We are delighted that there have been 23% fewer burglaries in St Edmundsbury this year but we are not complacent and we want to continue this trend.

"Healthy Homes is an excellent initiative which will help reduce the opportunities for such crimes."

The scheme is supported by the St Edmundsbury Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and linked to the Suffolk Police burglary reduction initiative Western Shield, which aims to reduce the number of break-ins and deter bogus callers by making the public more security conscious.

A Healthy Homes leaflet, giving details of the service and who is eligible, is available from St Edmundsbury offices in Bury and Haverhill and police stations throughout the area.

The campaign comes at the same time as the EADT's continuing Safe in Your Home campaign. Since last summer, we have been providing advice cards for the elderly, informing them what to do if confronted with a stranger on the doorstep.