A CLAMPDOWN on repeat burglaries on the Fylde Coast has been launched, targeting the victims themselves.

People whose homes have been broken into are being sent burglary alert packs by Lancashire Police in a bid to stop them being targeted again, as is often the practice.

The pack contains a property marking pen, a window sticker to warn that property has been marked, specialist advice and useful telephone numbers along with alert cards which can be used to inform and warn neighbours.

Also included is a questionnaire for residents to give their opinions on the scheme as well as discount vouchers for window and door locks from the Lock Shop on Blackpool's Dickson Road and screech alarms from Protectall Security Services of Preston.

During the past 12 months 2,000 people in the Fylde area have been victims of domestic burglary.

Acting Inspector Steve Saddington feels the pack can help to prevent a burglary from happening in the first place.

He said: "It brings together several successful crime prevention measures. Property marking can be a very effective deterrent to a potential burglar. Once it is marked it is much harder for the burglar to shift because it can be traced back to its rightful owner.

"The alert cards can be distributed by the victim to their immediate neighbours putting everyone on their guard and hopefully preventing further burglaries in the area. This has proved very effective in other parts of the country.

"Quite simply the Burglary Alert pack helps people to do something positive as a victim. It is better to prevent a burglary before it happens and local crime prevention officers are always pleased to offer free advice."

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