Homes which share a communal rear alleyway are particularly at risk from burglary and fly-tipping.

Now North East Lincolnshire Council is offering to pay for residents to put gates across the entrances to the alleyways.

The council says burglars prefer to break into a house through a back door or window and locked gates that cannot be climbed have been proved to reduce thefts.

It is also hoped the gates will stop alleyways being used for dumping rubbish or as places for taking drugs.