PARTS of Huddersfield are lighting up to beat the burglars.

Special timer switches and low energy light bulbs are being distributed to 700 homes in Deighton, Sheepridge, Fartown and Birkby – along with crime prevention advice.

Community safety officers, police community support officers and council staff all took to the streets to deliver the packs, which also contain safety tips and telephone numbers to report incidents.

The £1,000 scheme is paid for by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund’s People’s Purse.

Clr Khizar Iqbal, who chairs Kirklees Safer Stronger Communities Partnership, said: “A few simple precautions can dramatically reduce people’s chances of becoming a burglary victim and make them feel safer.”

Police are also throwing their weight behind the project.

Insp Dave Barnett said: “This is a fantastic example of partnership working to reduce the number of burglaries and victims of crime.

“It gives a clear message to the community that it isn’t just the police who care about preventing crime.

“Burglars feel comfortable with darkness and hate taking risks. If they think a house is occupied, they will turn away.”

Burglaries traditionally tend to increase as the days get shorter.

Helena Walker, community safety officer for Huddersfield North, said: “A timer switch is a simple but effective crime prevention tool which turns lights on when residents are out to make the home appear occupied.

“As daylight hours grow even shorter, we would advise people to reset the timer to activate earlier – from mid-afternoon – to protect their homes.”