POLICE have handed out their latest crime prevention weapon to homeowners – spikes to stop thieves climbing over fences.

Officers are giving 120 free Prikka strips to Biddulph residents in a pilot scheme.

The rows of spikes can be glued or nailed to the top of fences in a bid to stop intruders climbing into gardens, or gaining access to properties.

The 45cm strips have been funded by PASS (Partners Assuring a Safer Staffordshire) and cost 60 pence a strip.

But residents have been told they must display a sign on their property warning people about the spikes, otherwise they could be liable for injury.

The strips must also comply with the Highways Act and cannot be fixed lower then 2.4 metres (eight feet) from the ground when next to a public footpath.

PCSO Pete Johnson, pictured, who is based at Biddulph's police station, said he had received an "overwhelming" response from residents.

He added: "I've even had people from outside the area inquiring about how to get hold of some strips.

"They are a great crime reduction tool and an effective way to protect your property.

"Biddulph is a safe place to live and the aim is to keep it that way, but sometimes residents need some extra help."

PCSO Johnson said officers wanted to reduce the number of shed break-ins and thefts from gardens in the area.

He added: "The Prikka strips were something we hadn't looked at before, so we thought we would try them and see how effective they were.

"The feedback has been positive so far and stock is running low.

"We have around 40 strips left, but if it is successful it's something we can consider doing again in the future."

Officers have also offered residents anti-vandal paint, which stops intruders from climbing a wall.

The paint, which is black, sticks to hands and clothes and thieves are unable to get a grip to pull themselves up and over the top.

Latest figures show that between November 2009 and January 2010 the number of burglaries went down by 13 per cent in Biddulph compared to the same time in 2008 to 2009.

There were 23 burglaries in the town during November to January in 2008 to 2009.

That figure decreased to 20 during the same period in 2009 to 2010.

And residents have now welcomed the latest crime prevention initiative.

Terry Raffo, who lives in Park Lane, Knypersley, has taken some Prikka strips to put on his back fence.

The 68-year-old said: "It's a bit too cold to be messing about outside, but when it gets a bit warmer I'll put them up.

"I was very pleased with the response from the police.

"I called and asked if I could get hold of some strips and they delivered them on a Sunday and gave me a laminated sign to put up as well to warn people.

"My neighbour across the road had his shed broken into so I told him about them, but he was told he couldn't put them up because his fence is next to a gully.

"I think the spikes are a very good idea. Anything that helps to stop intruders is a good thing."

Mother-of-one Wendy Vernall, aged 28, of Warwick Street, said:

"It's good that the police are trying to help people protect their property."

Retired resident Gerald Grigson, aged 67, of Moorfield Avenue, said: "I noticed one of my neighbours has got some of those spikes on his fence. I think he got them to keep the cats out."