A CAMPAIGN to provide new back gates to houses arrives in Colne - courtesy of police, probation workers and offenders - this weekend.

People in Hawley Street will also benefit from new bolts and padlocks for existing gates which need repairs.

Offenders who have been given community service orders will be fitting the gates and padlocks, while being supervised by probation officers.

While the scheme is under way, police officers will also be on hand to offer safety advice to residents on how to protect their homes from burglaries.

They will also be giving away timer switches - where electric lights can be engineered to come on at various times - to help deter criminals.

Firefighters will tour the area too, offering fire safety checks and fitting smoke alarms.

Sgt Chris Johnson, of Colne police, said: "Properties on Hawley Street have suffered a spate of burglaries where access has been obtained through the back garden.

"By providing better security for the backs of the properties we hope residents will benefit from a safer community and crime will reduce.

"Having a source of free labour from the probation service for the initiative was fantastic and it helps offenders pay directly into a scheme that will help reduce crime."