POLICE in Burnley will be looking at houses through the eyes of a criminal to find lapses in security that would make them a target for would-be thieves.

In an initiative dubbed "Beat the Burglar" they will identify homes where simple crime prevention advice has not been heeded and will drop a leaflet through the door, outlining what the occupier should do secure property.

The idea is being supported by the borough's community wardens who will make follow-up calls at any houses identified, to find out if the advice has been taken.

This new crime prevention scheme has been devised as part of Operation Firewall, Pennine Division's crackdown on burglary in the town.

Inspector Richard Robertshaw said: "The idea came about because we noticed that most of the burglaries we attend, particularly in our hotspot areas, could have been prevented if the victim had followed simple crime prevention advice." He said quite often a window had been left open, or a door unlocked, rear yards were left unsecured, or ladders were left in an unlocked shed. These things make properties a target for thieves.

Insp Robertshaw added: "We believe that if people take a few simple precautions they will be far less likely to become a victim of crime."

Eugene Dennison, scheme leader for Burnley Community Warden Service, gave his backing to the new scheme, which is being launched this week.

He said: "Our role is more about supporting individuals in the community and burglary has had a big effect on many of the people we deal with.

"We are supporting this because it is a good chance for us to help people in the community before they become a victim of crime by giving out simple crime prevention advice."

Operation Firewall, which was launched in August this year, has already proved to be a great success.

So far, it has resulted in a two per cent reduction in the number of burglaries across the division.