BURGLARS will come under the spotlight in Pendle in a new crime-fighting initiative.

Police are offering cut-price light timers in a bid to help homeowners beat the criminals.

The initiative has been launched following a rise in burglaries in the area.

The timers automatically switch on lights at pre-programmed times.

The police have teamed up with a local supplier in Colne to provide the timers at half price for residents in the run-up to Christmas.

Town Centre Beat Manager PC Phil Davies helped launch the campaign after he reported an increase in the number of homes targeted in Colne during recent weeks.

He said: "The timers illuminate people's homes while they are out to help prevent burglaries.

"The funding has been provided by LAMPAC, which is a kitty of money put in by different businesses, organisations and the police to fund initiatives to cut crime.

"The timers are simple to fit and installed by plugging into the mains socket and then plugging in a lamp which can be programmed to come on at certain times."

PC Davies said the timers had sold quickly and another batch had been ordered.

He said: "The scheme has been hailed a huge success because we have already sold more than 100 timers. They are reasonably priced, easy to to use and everybody should have one."

The timers are available from from Jowetts in Albert Road, Colne, for £3 each.

People who would like information about how to increase security at their homes are asked to contact PC Davies on 01282 472977.