The locks are fitted free of charge

They are being installed in homes on the Braunstone estate as part of the New Deal for Communities.

Personal alarms and smoke alarms have been installed at more than 700 properties along with the locks.

The work costs around �70 per household but Leicester City Council says it is well worth it.

The aim is reduce incidents of burglary and residents fear of crime.

The scheme has been welcomed by those living on the estate.

Jack Wright, a long-standing resident, said: "I have had a personal alarm, which is a very nice piece of equipment.

"You simply pull out a cord and it lets out a loud noise."