ADVICE on home security is being offered to some of Leigh's most vulnerable residents.

The Leigh Neighbours Project is working in partnership with Greater Manchester Police on the project called Stop and Lock to provide free home security assessments.

Appropriate security features will then be installed, sponsored by the Neighbours, who received £1million grant from the National Lotteries Big Local to improve an area to the west of Leigh town centre.

The pilot scheme will initially be rolled out in forty homes across the project area and will target those residents who are most likely to benefit from the additional security measures in their home.

PCSOs have already identified a number of residents who are benefitting from the scheme, including a pensioner with disabilities who was left traumatised after a recent break-in at his home.

PCSO Gabrielle Fitzsimons said: “Sadly, the gentleman is still very distressed. It was a particularly disturbing crime because the victim was at home at the time and woke to find thieves rifling through his possessions. We can only imagine how frightening this must have been.

"During the course of a typical day, we sometimes come across people who are vulnerable, perhaps as a result of an attempted break-in or a distraction burglary, or simply because of their age or disability.

“We’re delighted that Leigh Neighbours has agreed to fund the scheme. We will now be able to refer people for a free home assessment aimed at reducing the risk of crime and the associated fear of crime.

"In these instances we will now be able to refer people for a free home assessment aimed at reducing the risk of crime and associated fear of crime."

The scheme is open to any resident in the area of Leigh bounded by Railway Road, Atherleigh Way, Leigh Road and Kirkhall Lane and will provide people with a free home assessment carried out by a registered security tradesman who will then install appropriate security features free of charge.

If you know someone who would benefit from the scheme, contact Leigh Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0161 856 7225 or email wiganeast@gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, you can attend Cuppa with a Copper every fourth Wednesday at Asda in Leigh.