A charity which upgrades security at the homes of pensioners has had a record breaking year.

West Herts Against Crime, which works closely with Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue and district councils, has provided security for 425 homes since April - up five per cent on the same period last year.

The latest increase follows a record breaking year in 2006/7 when the charity made safe a total of 719 homes in West Hertfordshire.

West Herts Against Crime CEO, Nikki Stageman, said: "The charity continues to go from strength to strength and we welcome more enquiries from residents in Three Rivers, Watford and Dacorum. We provide simple safety and security measures, particularly for older people, for free or for only a small charge."

The charity's security provision includes mortice locks, spy holes and door chains, smoke detectors, window locks plus shed and garage security bars.

In the current year, 139 homes secured have been in Three Rivers, 138 in Dacorum and 148 in Watford.

West Herts Against Crime's services are free for residents over 60, those who are vulnerable or housebound, or who are repeat victims of burglary.

Free home security and fire safety checks are available to all residents in the three districts. Residents can contact the charity direct on 01923 801138 watrac@freenet.co.uk