A £10,000 project aims to cut burglary in a deprived area of Kidderminster which suffers more than twice the national average of the crime.

The Kidderminster Anti-Burglary Scheme, which also aims to tackle social isolation in Grasmere Close and Windsor Drive, Horsefair, was launched on Monday.

The programme, which involves police, Victim Support, Wyre Forest District Council and Wyre Forest Community Housing, also enables a dedicated burglary support worker, Pauline Conway of Victim Support, to focus on the issues of the community.

She said: "For five years I have supported victims of burglary in and around the area and experienced their difficulties, such as feeling unsupported by neighbours and the despondency such crimes bring.

"The funding allows me to concentrate offering support and understanding to victims of burglary, but crucially it allows me to take things on to the next stage.

"We need the community to come together and work with the partnership to find solutions tailored to specific community needs."

Home Office funding will allow police to install extra alarms into the area to be offered to victims of burglary and other vulnerable residents.

Wyre Forest Community Housing will deliver information packs to newcomers to the area, which suffered 34 reported burglaries last year, offering advice on reducing the chances of burglary.

Kidderminster Police crime risk manager DC Neil Jarvis said: "Although the funding is for one year it is hoped the activity carried out during this period will empower the residents to assist in solving problems.

"The initiative does not stand alone.

"It links into current work being carried out in the area by the community safety partnership and will complement two future schemes, CCTV and neighbourhood wardens."