POLICE have handed out dozens of free door handle alarms in their drive against burglaries.

Redbridge Police and Redbridge Council purchased the alarms, which were given to previous victims of the crime.

The alarms are designed to be hung from the inside handles of uPVC doors and will trigger a siren when pressure is placed on the handle from outside.

Maise Brabin, 89, who was burgled while asleep at her home in Ilford earlier this year, said: "I woke up in the middle of the night and saw that the lights were on downstairs.

"I knew I hadn't left them on so I went down to see what was going on. The place was in an awful state and burglars had stolen my walking stick and my disabled badge.

"It was very distressing but I think these alarms will make a real difference. They will make me feel a lot safer because they will alert me and other people if anyone is trying to get in the house. It will definitely help me sleep better."

Councillor Vanessa Cole, cabinet member for community safety, said: "The council and the police purchased these alarms to give residents peace of mind and provide reassurance to former victims of burglary such as Mrs Brabin.

"These alarms are just one of the ways that Redbridge Council are working together with the police to make the borough a safer place to live."